The Adak Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) met for its regular monthly meeting on September 27, 2000, at 6:00 p.m. (Adak time) and 7:00 p.m. (Anchorage time). The RAB met at the CSO Conference Room, Bob Reeve High School, Adak, Alaska. Others participated by telephone conference from Anchorage, Alaska.

Administrative Note: The summary of discussions during RAB meetings is not intended as a transcript of the meeting. A recording of the RAB meeting is obtained at every meeting and in the event that a more complete transcript of a discussion is needed for a specific issue, this recording can be accessed. While participants at RAB meetings are strongly encouraged to review the meeting minutes prior to finalization of the minutes, it is recognized that there is the possibility that participants in the discussions have not reviewed the minutes to confirm that they accurately reflect the content of the discussion.

1. Welcome, Introductions, and Meeting Purpose

   Ms. Villa called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. The meeting start was delayed due to conference call difficulties. A quorum was present.

   1. Approval of Agenda.

      The agenda was approved with the additions of the following topics: Dr. Scrudato/TAPP Grant for OUB, landfill monitoring limitation, and future minefield investigation at Shagak. Ms. Villa felt the additional topics would be limited due to Mr. Murphy's absence.

   2. Approval of 6/28/00 and 8/23/00 Meeting Minutes.

      IT WAS MOVED by Mr. Nash AND SECONDED by Mr. Mitchell that the minutes of the June 28, 2000 and August 23, 2000 meetings be approved as written. THE MOTION PASSED with unanimous consent. Note: The August 23, 2000 attendance roster needs correction. (OASIS Environmental took note. The final minutes will reflect the appropriate changes.)

   3. General Announcements.

      Ms. Roberts reported that Elim Yun has been tentatively hired to replace Tess Carr as the ADEC representative for the RAB. Ms. Yun has a degree in geology and has been working in the environmental field for approximately five years. She was most recently employed as a project manager at Jacobs Engineering. The hiring process should be complete by mid-October.

      Mr. Gates said that the Aleut Corporation (TAC) retained EKI Consultants of San Francisco, California to assess the adequacy of Operable Unit A's Record of Decision. The first draft is complete and the final report is expected be ready within the next few weeks. Ms. Roberts asked Mr. Gates to forward the report to ADEC.

      Action Item: TAC is to provide the agencies with a copy of the EKI report.

   4. Administrative Issues
      1. Letter from the Navy Co-Chair regarding frequency of RAB meetings.

         In the letter to the Adak RAB from the Navy Co-Chair (included in the September packet), Mr. Stoll requested that RAB meetings be held very six months. Ms. Villa felt meeting twice a year was unacceptable and that every other month would be more appropriate. Ms. Villa pointed out that the referenced poor attendance on Adak was not due to a lack of interest in the RAB, rather, there are other major issues that require the community's attention such as housing, transportation and healthcare. For example, the last RAB meeting conflicted with a clinic meeting on island, which was fully attended.

         Mr. Stoll's letter also mentioned the "impending move of the RAB community co-chair to Anchorage." Ms. Villa wanted to clarify this statement and said her move to Anchorage is not a final decision. Ms. Villa stated that she knew the island well enough that a possible move to Anchorage would not adversely affect her ability to serve as the community co-chair. However, she said she would support any on-island community member who wanted to become the community co-chair.

         In the past, ADEC has spoken with other RAB groups in order to determine what direction they wanted the RAB to move toward in the future. Ms. Roberts suggested that ADEC could interview community and RAB members on a confidential, one-on-one basis to discuss which issues should become a priority. Ms. Roberts said in other RABs, these interviews had been very beneficial. ADEC hopes to have a community involvement employee on staff in the near future. Mr. Oates pointed out that Ms. Grady had been filling the community involvement role for the last few months, and suggested that perhaps Ms. Grady's scope of work be updated in the interim.

         Mr. Gates pointed out that on a per capita basis, the Adak's community involvement in the RAB represents a higher rate of participation of the effected citizens than most RABs across the country. Mr. Gates also felt the community's interest is not waning. Mr. Gates recommended that the RAB send a letter to Mr. Stoll indicating that meetings should be held every other month. Continued leaks into Sweeper Creek, burning booms, minefields and other issues remain RAB concerns that warrant regular community input.

         Mr. Krukoff seconded Mr. Gates' comments and said he disagreed even more strongly with Mr. Stoll's letter. Mr. Krukoff felt there was no decline in interest at Adak, rather, the community is increasing its involvement. Mr. Krukoff believed that over the last several months more support was needed from EFA NW on the proper organization of meetings. He said there is a serious need for at least three meetings between November 2000 and March 2001. In addition, he felt EFA NW should provide and facilitate an end of season report, a final report meeting and a meeting to discuss the upcoming field season. Mr. Krukoff added that EFA NW should fully support and accommodate the RAB as it transitions to community membership.

         Ms. Grisco added that at every fiscal year end the Navy brings up the need for fewer meetings. She suggested that perhaps Mr. Stoll's letter was tied to budget concerns.

         Mr. Krukoff said he was upset with Mr. Stoll's letter, particularly because he felt that the Navy had taken a lot of action against the wishes of the community. Mr. Krukoff believes that if the RAB's opinions were taken more seriously, attendance would continue to increase.

         Cdr. Posuniak added that available resources are limited and that the RAB should give Mr. Stoll specific recommendations about meeting frequency and why the meetings are necessary. Mr. Krukoff said he would support meetings held every other month.

         Mr. Nash said he sensed confusion about what the RAB is supposed to accomplish and what the re-use board is supposed to accomplish. Mr. Nash recommended that the RAB's scope be reviewed to make sure that the issues the RAB addresses are within its scope. Mr. Nash felt that many times the RAB had strayed far from its purpose. Ms. Roberts said that Mr. Nash's point had been debated nationally, and that in many instances the RAB and the LRA merged because of so many crossover issues.

         Mr. Mitchell said he was "insulted by and objecting to the tone of this letter combined with the lack of attendance by Richard or Mark to hear the debate on it and to explain it. It seems to me to cut against the public process. As it has been pointed out, its certainly written to read that the Navy is basically pulling the plug on RAB meetings as they have existed. And I think its a bit disingenuous for government representatives to suggest that we need to express what we want when those who are overseeing the process are not even hear to listen to our statements of what we want." On the Navy's behalf, Ms. Kelly said that Mr. Stoll is on family emergency leave, and that two people tried to call in and could not connect. Ms. Kelly said that Mr. Murphy had planned to call in.

         Ms. Villa added that perhaps the Navy's actions show a lack of interest. Mr. Stoll's letter was received several weeks ago. The meeting date could have been changed to accommodate Mr. Murphy and/or Mr. Stoll's schedules.

         Ms. Kelly agreed with Cdr. Posuniak in that a more structured approach would be helpful. She said there is not a lack of interest by the Navy. Ms. Kelly requested that the RAB articulate exactly what it wants. She offered to help Ms. Villa prepare and send out a questionnaire to determine future RAB subjects and to rank critical issues. Ms. Villa said she already knew what the community wants - weekly updates without having to attend too many meetings. In addition, the community needs to know that areas are safe for them to use, and to be assured that even Navy personnel feel the areas are safe enough for their kids as well.

         Ms. Kelly asked how information could be distributed effectively. Mr. Krukoff said the most valuable communication tool is for the Navy to listen. Foster Wheeler makes daily TV announcements of where their work is taking place. Perhaps an additional summary could be broadcasted.

         Action Item: Ms. Villa and Mr. Krukoff are to recruit an on-island representative to manage the OUB tech. team information (i.e print incoming e-mails and file them in the library).

         Ms. Kelly added that even though the BRAC people are leaving the island, the environmental crew has a long-term commitment to projects, monitoring and cleanup.

         IT WAS MOVED by Mr. Gates AND SECONDED by Mr. Krukoff that the RAB write a letter expressing dissatisfaction with Mr. Stoll's September 8, 2000 letter, request continued meetings on at least a bi-monthly schedule, and continued Navy support of communicating environmental issues, CERCLA updates and issues to the community and to the RAB. THE MOTION PASSED with unanimous consent

         Action Item: Ms. Griswold will prepare the response to Mr. Stoll's September 8, 2000 letter.

   5. Concerns, Issues, Questions.

      See above.

   6. Metals Landfill Monitoring

      Ms. Kelly said an additional round of groundwater sampling would be taken in November. The results will be reported to the RAB before a decision is made to cease future sampling.

   7. Dr. Scrudato/TAPP Grant for OUB

      Ms. Villa said she had not heard from Dr. Scrudato. The RAB discussed searching for a different contractor to provide technical support for OUB. Mr. Gates has contacts at Lawrence Livermore and will inquire about possible candidates, preferably on the west coast. The RAB felt uncomfortable about using any contractors already on the Navy's vendor list.

      Ms. Roberts said it was important to locate an expert that can review and interpret the data rather than just agree that the procedures and results are technically accurate.

      Action Item: Mr. Gates will contact Lawrence Livermore and inquire about the availability of technical advisors.

      Action Item: Ms. Villa, with Ms. Kelly's assistance, will file a report on the TAPP grant.

   8. Public Comments.

      Blue cards on the island will still be needed after the TSI contract ends. Discussions are ongoing for Ms. Mueller to provide support.

      Mr. Krukoff said that a police chief is arriving later this week, but the VPSO position is vacant. Both positions are fully funded.

   9. Set Date and Tentative Topics for Next Meeting

      For topics, refer to Ms. Griswold's letter to Mr. Stoll.

2. Meeting Adjourned.

   The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:58 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday November 15, 2000 at 7:00p.m. in Anchorage at the Downtown Holiday Inn and 6:00 p.m. (Adak time) at Bob Reeve High School on Adak Island.

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