Foundation for Water and Energy Education
Program Committee Meeting

Spokane, Washington
June 14, 2000

Meeting attendees included: Jim Burruss — PacifiCorp, Jack Brantner and Clyde Carpenter — North Central ESD, Sandy Mack — Avista Corp., Craig Sprankle - Bureau of Reclamation, Alison Squier- Dunau Associates, Christine Stallard - Christine Stallard Consulting, Randall Stearnes - Tacoma Power, Rob Swedo— BPA, Jon Vognild — Douglas Co. P.U.D.; and Wayne Wright; Chelan Co. P.U.D.

Jon Vognild and Wayne Wright opened the meeting by reading e-mail messages to FWEE sent over the past month. Also, members reviewed summary reports of the FWEE Web site during the months of April and May. It was reported that the FWEE Web site received 24,894 hits during the month of April and 32,799 hits in May.

Alison reported that the FWEE address relocation process was moving forward.

Jon gave an update regarding Montana Power, now known as PPL Montana. He spoke with Rae Olson, the utility’s education coordinator, and invited her to an upcoming FWEE meeting. There are hopes that Idaho Power is still considering FWEE membership.

Randy Stearnes submitted a letter from the director of Peninsula Light, in Gig Harbor, Washington, in support of dams. Jack Brantner distributed the spring 2000 edition of "Exchange" from the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED). Jack asked if members wanted further issues of the magazine. Members were encouraged to contact Jack is they want issues of Exchange.

The group discussed the present status of Snohomish County PUD in FWEE and if any further contact should be made at the present time.

Rob Swedo distributed a handout on the impacts of rotting vegetation at hydro projects. The report was generated from New Scientist magazine (June 2000).

Alison distributed a handcrank generator price list for those who need the information.

The group discussed the FWEE Splash promotion concept, considering what concept/direction to pursue. It was suggested that the group go forward with a positive hydro message in the advertising giving a reason for people to visit the Web site…not solely an address. Wayne suggested forming a subcommittee to address this and volunteered to be on the committee. Joining Wayne were Randy Stearnes and Rob Swedo.

Alison distributed some samples of how the FWEE message might work in print. Wayne revisited his idea of using FWEE in classified sections of newspapers. Jim Burruss reminded the members that FWEE needed to focus and consider what direction it is going.

Wayne suggested that the primary audience was those who make decisions or those who do research for those who make decisions. Alison gave information about prices of video work: $2,000-2,500 per minute and suggested that a flexible PowerPoint presentation could be developed for FWEE to use for considerably less. Wayne reminded the group that he was still pursuing the working dam model from the school in Nebraska he met at the NHA conference.

Alison asked for approval from the group to proceed with Website upgrades. Also, John Femal from EWEB wanted FWEE to consider "Web Quest" programs for grades 4-8. Alison gave some preliminary information about the program. Question: can the HydroQuiz area be developed and used by FWEE or will it be sold to other utilities? It was requested that John e-mail more information to members.

Wayne introduced Christine Stallard, former FWEE representative from Grant County PUD, who is now working independently as a consultant in public/government affairs. Christine presented a proposal for a plan to introduce FWEE to policy makers.

Wayne suggested that all FWEE members check with their respective governmental affairs people to make sure no one has a problem with a FWEE rep. visiting government officials.

Christine spoke about visiting representatives when they are in their offices and when they are actually in session, plus not appearing as a lobbyist and mentioning specific legislation. The group discussed the advantages and disadvantages of having FWEE members present when Christine makes visits.

It was decided that members should check with their respective government affairs people before moving forward with this plan. In the meantime, it was moved by Wayne Wright and seconded by Rob Swedo that Christine should review and augment an information packet for FWEE, spending no more than $1,000. It was voted upon and approved unanimously.

Rob asked Alison if the Web site should be modified to include a section for "policy makers" rather than just teacher information.

The group discussed upcoming conferences, HydroVision in Charlotte, North Carolina during August and USCOLD’s conference in Seattle during July. Tim Cunninghamm may be attending USCOLD. There was some discussion of the possibility of having someone attend HydroVision.

Wayne revisited the Splash idea and Horizon Air magazine advertising. Rob Swedo suggested advertising in Chamber of Commerce newsletters. Alison said she would research this.

Craig Sprankle gave report on Grand Coulee Dam, nightly laser shows, and turbine replacement.

Bill Fuglevand, of Avista Corp, gave an enlightening and informative presentation on Fuel Cells and the possible explanation regarding the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.

Next meeting: Date to be announced.

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