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MWCD Appoints 3 to Development
Advisory Committee

Three new members will join the Development Advisory Committee of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

During its meeting today (Feb. 18), the MWCD Board of Directors approved the appointments of Mark E. Tondra of Tippecanoe and Roy Wilson of Bolivar to full terms commencing in 2005, along with Denny Roudebush of Carrollton to an unexpired term.

The 18-member DAC serves in an advisory capacity to the MWCD’s Board and staff. Members volunteer their time and hold quarterly meetings throughout the year, with various subcommittee sessions held on an as-needed basis.

Members serve three-year terms with eligibility for up to two full terms.

Tondra is a professional engineer and a resident of the Tappan Lake area. His family also owns property near Leesville Lake. Wilson has taught sailing on Atwood Lake for many years and docks a boat at Seneca Lake. He is the former owner of Hi-tech Test Technology Inc. at Bolivar.

Roudebush is a boater on Atwood Lake. He is the director of marketing for the Carroll Electrical Cooperative Inc.

The DAC was created by the MWCD Board in 1992 to provide an organized public support system for responsive and effective economic development, conservation and recreation programs. Members provide information and guidance to the MWCD on numerous issues as assigned by the Board or identified by the DAC.

During a recent meeting, the DAC selected its officers for 2005, with Jim Bates of Port Washington to serve as the chairman and Norm Blanchard of the Seneca Lake area to serve as vice chairman. The next meeting of the DAC is April 22 at a location to be determined.

In other business, the Board:

  • heard from Elaine Grissom, owner of Whiskey Run Golf Course and Lodge near Seneca Lake. Grissom told Board members that she has worked for years with public agencies to help identify and improve conditions related to drainage at the golf course. She said she is committed to offer support for projects that could improve similar conditions for all landowners around the lake.

  • approved an overall increase for annual cottage site lease fees for 2005 for an amount equal to the federal cost of living plus an additional 4 percent. The federal cost of living index figure was expected to be released on Feb. 23. The rate increase is for lessees at MWCD cottage site areas who have entered into or renewed their leases since Feb. 1, 2000. The MWCD leases approximately 1,200 parcels of land at eight of its reservoirs for development of private homes.

  • approved a drug-free workplace policy for MWCD staff effective April 1 that will include a drug screening program for potential new employees, random drug testing and post-accident substance testing. Implementation of the program will result in substantial cost savings in the MWCD’s premiums for workers’ compensation coverage.