Present: Fred Westerberg, Dick Krasker, Wayne Brooking, Mike McAllister, Ned McSherry, Stefan Jackson, Rob Rose, Phil Covelli.

End of Season Report:
Sgt Brooking distributed the End of Season Summary report. He noted that safety compliance seems to be on the increase, although 76 summonses were issued for safety violations. Calls for assistance also increased during the period. He also noted that assistance calls at times necessitated response to the Brownfield section of the river. He went on to report that there had been one joint patrol with the Oxford county Sheriff’s Department this season.

There was some discussion regarding future signage at the various launching points. Stefan reported that Recreation Council members have distributed brochures which were well received. Future signage needs will be explored before next season.

Equipment:
Sgt Brooking reported that there had been minor damage to the underside of the airboat which will have to be repaired, although the boat remains operational. The repairs are estimated at less than $500.00. It was noted that the new boat had performed quite well. There was some discussion regarding future equipment needs. Future needs will be primarily those of a routine maintenance nature and replacement parts (propellers). There was some discussion as to whether future insurance costs should be borne by the Task Force budget. It was agreed to do so.

Task Force Fund Balances:
Mr. Covelli will look into some apparent discrepancies in the insurance billing. It was agreed that after this issue had been resolved, anything over and above $1,500.00 should be transferred to the Town’s general fund account to offset the cost of the pickup truck purchase.

Future Fund Raising:
There was some discussion regarding future funding requirements. The Task Force members agreed to suggest that $7,000.00 be requested from Poland Spring (Nestles) for next year’s operations. Stefan Jackson reported that the Nature Conservancy would donate $500.00 that was received in memory of the late Kevin Muse. It was suggested that the implementation of parking fees at the Canal Bridge Camping area and adjacent parking lot be explored further. It was also suggested that the Towns of Hiram and Brownfield may also be approached in the future for funding support.

Partnerships:
Mr. Jackson reported that the Nature Conservancy would also sponsor a partnership between the Task Force and Leave No Trace Program. There was discussion regarding future efforts in joint training and patrol with the Nature Conservancy and Recreation Council personnel.

Public Relations:
Members of the Task Force felt that an “End of Year” press release highlighting the work of the Task Force this year should be issued. Mr. Covelli agreed to do so as soon as possible.

Kevin Muse Memorial Dedication:
Several Task Force members recommended a Thursday afternoon for scheduled memorial dedication ceremony in honor of Kevin Muse, who had spearheaded the Task Force since its inception?. The ceremony will be scheduled as soon as the plaque is received from the engraving company.

Future Task Force Meetings:
Future meeting of the Task Force will be held as needed, with the first 2005 meeting scheduled sometime during May.

Respectfully submitted:

P. Covelli