Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2010

Meeting held TJDA, Yarmouth at 4:00 pm.

PROGRAMMING SUMMARY

• Amy made another call for “Educational Seminar” suggestions. Received:
• Revision Summary of ADA Guidelines – Dennis Pratt, Alpha One
• Historic Landscapes – Theresa Mattor
• LEED Certification for LAs – highlight role in LEED process – USGBC
• Business Development / Branding – e.g., “Redefining LA Services in Today’s Economic Climate”
• Porous Pavement –  Does its use result in an increase in non-point source pollution?  Remove soils later?
• Changes in Site Law/MeDEP regulations
• MMA – Advancing defining LA profession with municipalities
• Synthetic Turf – Northeast Turf / Sports Fields, Inc. panel

• In October 2008, the Specification Task Force was initiated for updating the Specifications and Installation Details relating to aspects of Landscape Architecture.  This is a collaborative effort with Maine Landscape and Nurserymen’s Association, arborists, landscape installers, growers, and LAs.  The task force meets once a month, except for the summer months.  Currently wrapping up the Plants Section and will begin the Grassing Section next. Will be increasing the quantity of meeting in anticipation of reduced participation from growers and installers.

• Potential for joint sponsorship with ISA in a tri-state lecture series featuring Jim Urban, an authority on soils, urban forestry.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Points of discussion:

• Benefits of requiring CE– CLARB is working toward increased uniformity between states

• Should MSLA register to become an approved sponsor?  Sponsoring events could be fundraisers, improved meeting and seminar attendance. BSLA is a registered provider so technically MSLA has that ability now, so we understand.

• Our state’s Registration Board does not view CE requirement as a priority, not in favor of creating that requirement.

VOLUNTEER OPS

Julie Isbil of National Park Service Rivers & Trails has asked for assistance with a probono project in Livermore Falls/Jay.   See attachment for more information.  Since this meeting, couple folks have contacted her expressing interest; if you are still interested, she may be reached at 207.725.5028.

RECENT  & UPCOMING EVENTS

• MeLNA Annual Trade Show was held January 18 in Lewiston.
• NE Grows -  huge exhibition and numerous interesting educational sessions, held Feb. 3-5 in Boston.
• Pearl’s Premium Grassing Workshop is March 4 at SMRT, Portland at 4:00.
• March 30 Bridge Lecture at USM Portland Campus Hannaford Hall.
• April 7 at 7:30 am – USGBC Sustainable Sites Initiative presented by Steve Ribble and Lisa Cowan at USM – Abromson Hall
• Architalx in April, Landscape Architecture Month - April 8 -  Shane Coen

OTHER DISCUSSIONS

• ASCE Board letter sent to municipal Code Enforcement Officers and Planning falsely defining the services that LAs are licensed and qualified to provide.  ASCE seems unconcerned about correcting the information.

Tentative next MSLA meeting:  TBD

Anything missing or incorrect?  If anything grievous, please don’t hesitate to contact Shelley at sbrunelle@delucahoffman.com.