The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Gold Cup Lodge by President Lee Aseltine.  The following members were in attendance; Bob Rex, Nate Bartlett, Leonard Travis, Ken Frankovich, Jerry Fleury, Peri Sutherland, Lee Aseltine, Mary Lou Lauck, Philip Sciortino, Sharon Pearl, and Julie Hixson.   James Connell of YSEDC was also present.

 

Minutes were approved as reported.  The Treasurer reported there was about $12.00 in the treasury which is better known as the Cuss Bucket.

 

FIRE DEPT:

Lee Aseltine opened the meeting by reporting everyone of the volunteer fire fighters had passed the test.  Jerry Fleury suggested a Fire Dept meeting to review the test next Monday.

 

It was previously that Steve Kerr had property that might be utilized for a fire station.  Aseltine reported that Kerr’s property is not available.

 

STRAWBERRY VALLEY ARCH:

Phillip Sciortino discussed the need for local rocks in order to erect the arch.  He felt that the plaque should be embedded in the top of the arch.  This would prevent it from becoming a target.  Lee Aseltine stated that Brad Sharpe would agree to sign a waiver but not before he had seen the final design. 

 

CELEBRATION:

No date has been set for the 150^th anniversary as we want it to coincide with the completion of the Strawberry Valle y Arch.  As completion draws near we will set a date for the celebration.  However, the beer garden will be open to the public for St Patrick’s Day. 

 

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP:

The weekend after Easter (April 21^st and 22^nd ) will begin our volunteer clean-up.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a tool (rake, shovel, etc.) and gloves in order to clean up our cemetery.  Also, food or drink for the afternoon break.

 

FIRE SAFETY:   

Peri Sutherland reported that anyone with property adjoining Forest Service land may be able to get assistance in clearing brush and dead trees from their land.  Yuba County is in the process of developing a plan.  For more specific information, contact Peri. 

 

COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN:

James Connell discussed what was needed to complete the Action Plan.  He said that he thinks the document should begin with a history of Strawberry Valley, which would cover the town’s 150 years.  It then should discuss the formation of the citizens group, and list out what the group hopes to accomplish.  It then should provide Strawberry Valley’s vision statement and list its strengths, weaknesses, and goals.  This should be followed by a description of what the community has done--and what it plans to do--to implement those goals, as well as a list of the group’s subcommittees and a description of their actions.  Mr. Connell stated that the document should end with a description of how the group plans to keep the process going in the future so that the town maintains a sense of community.  We are currently working on obtaining facts and photos to document Strawberry Valley’s history.  Several old photos were submitted at the meeting.