Wetland Task Force

Wetland Task Force Meeting Minutes Executive Conference Room, City Hall, 3rd Floor 1528 3rd Avenue October 15, 2025 8:30 AM Task Force Members Present Nina Struss Mike Thoms Missy Gasiorowski Hannah Alexander Tim Pressly Task Force Members Absent Ald. Randy Hurt Mayor Ashley Harris Kathy Wine Jon Duyvejonck Staff Present Tom Flaherty Tanner Osing Sarah Hayden Guests Lorraine Foelske, INDR/INPC Dr. Michael Reisner, Augustana College Alyssa Klauer, Augustana College Call to Order and Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 8:30 am. Introductions The meeting began with introductions, followed by an overview of the Land and Water Reserve (LWR) process for Augustana staff. Osing provided a summary of the Task Force’s purpose and progress to date, including City Council’s approval to move forward with the LWR in partnership with INPC. Discussion on partnership opportunities with Augustana The Task Force and Augustana staff discussed potential collaboration opportunities to support the LWR process, particularly in ecological research and community engagement. Conversation focused on identifying key priorities such as understanding habitat types, access points, and existing data gaps, especially on the eastern portion of the site. It was noted that current data is limited and largely based on a 2013 BioBlitz conducted under high water conditions. Foelske emphasized that priority areas for biodiversity inventories include breeding bird species, herptiles, and invasive species -1- mapping, with additional opportunities to expand data collection to bats and other species. Augustana staff outlined their capabilities, including conducting surveys for macroinvertebrates, fish (including eDNA), birds, bats, turtles, and water quality, as well as producing fine-scale digital mapping of the site. They also expressed interest in supporting community engagement efforts through interviews, focus groups, and stakeholder outreach, depending on the City’s needs. The discussion highlighted the potential for a long-term partnership that integrates student coursework and research, with surveys potentially beginning in Spring/Summer 2026 and continuing over multiple years. Timing considerations were noted, particularly for bird monitoring, which may require winter preparation to capture spring migration. The group also discussed logistics and partnership structure, including the need for an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City and Augustana, a defined scope of work, and clear objectives, deliverables, and timelines. Augustana shared examples of similar partnerships, including ongoing work with the City of Davenport, and noted prior collaboration with Rock Island. There was general agreement that this partnership could play a key role in developing the management plan and supporting long-term stewardship of the site. Other Business The Task Force continued discussion addressing current and potential site uses, and the opportunity to expand educational and passive recreation elements such as signage or trails. The group acknowledged that accessibility remains a challenge and will influence future use decisions. Invasive species management was also discussed, with Augustana indicating potential to involve students in identification and removal efforts, though larger-scale issues may require additional partners. The Task Force concluded the conversation by discussing next steps, including moving forward with a Memorandum of Agreement with Augustana College. Public Comment No members of the public were present to comment. Adjournment The meeting adjourned by consensus. Minutes submitted by Tanner Osing. -2-