WCEA Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
WCEA Committee Meeting
Feb 3, 2025
Committee Members Present: Nick MacDonald, Cathy Lookabaugh, Inez Lombardo, Robin Pinto, Ed Latham; Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, Lisa Phelps, Kerry Chasteen, Becca Whitney, and Rachel White, and Guest: Tora Johnson. Missing: Lisa Hanscom
Tora Johnson Director of Sustainable Prosperity Initiative SCEC
Tora’s role is to encourage resource dependent communities in WaCo to become sustainable. Tora uses GIS and mapmaking to examine land and water issues. She is working with Machias on the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan that is trying to understand the consequences of sea level rise and to resolve flooding problems, a collapsing dike, an imperiled wastewater treatment plant, the health of the clam fisheries, and a badly damaged Sunrise Trail in the downtown area. She works to stabilize lobster and clam fisheries and to develop energy independence and grid resilience for many communities.
January Minutes:
Minutes were motioned for approval by Inez and Ed. Vote unanimous.
Treasurer’s Report:
Tara reported that we had few January expenses, that there was still no check yet from county appropriations. She suggested that Nick, Tara and Lisa meet before April to discuss the budget. T report motioned by Robin and Inez to accept with unanimous vote.
Staff Projects and Programs:
Gabby reported that she is working on a rocketry program inspired by one student’s interest; an independent entrepreneur for flyfishing, her own professional development, a judging workshop for meat rabbit program and more 4H public speaking.
Rachel is setting up for the ROOTS conference in March, needs sponsors and organizers; looking for local produce for Angie’s Kitchen to use; and developing a mailing list for an email newsletter on Downeast Ag issues.
Jason is working with the regional youth council and met with other local groups across Maine and Vermont. Working with Somali and Latin teens on planning for their futures; planning a Family Day in Milbridge with Hancock Coop Extension; planning for Winter Family Fun Day with Downeast Coastal Conservancy at Machias; considering a trip for kids to Washington DC but concerned about immigration
challenges.
Recruitment Update:
No suggestions yet. Inez suggested Main Street Business as a possible speaker and potential member.
Building Renovations:
Kerry said that facilities management is still working through contractors to plan initiating sprinkler system project.
Annual Meeting Planning:
Tara has not yet been able to book the Reynolds Center for a weather alternative; working on quotes for food.
Norman Duzen Award:
Tara has sent out announcements and criteria. Need an alternative award to pens for volunteers.
Lisa Phelps:
Announced that this was her last official WaCo meeting as program administrator and liaison. She will still be supporting 4H and overseeing Gabby and helping Tara.
Next Meeting:
March 5, 2025; Meeting was adjourned with Robin’s motion and Ed’s second.