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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Stan Beauregard, Mark Bombardier (VAST), John Gale, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Rick Lansing, Chad Pearson, Gerald Ferry, Shirley Ferry, Matthew Raymond (VT State Police), Richard Roberge, Val Schadinger, Jim Smith, Dave Stanley, Evelyn Stanley, Duane Stetson, Paula Stetson, Chuck Vile (FP&R), Bonnie Waninger (NRPC)
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
ATV ENFORCEMENT: Trooper Matt Raymond, Vermont State Police
Trooper Raymond noted that new signs from Sheldon to Richford mean the State Police can now enforce the "no motorized vehicle" rule. Fines are $110 per violation. He encouraged people to call the State Police when they have witnessed a crime, such as unauthorized use of the Rail Trail. He asked people to recognize, however, that troopers respond to the most pressing public safety concerns first. Chasing ATVs with cruisers is difficult, so they are working to obtain ATVs to patrol the trail. Once they have the ATVs, they will work to obtain personnel and permits to use the ATVs on the trail legally. One alternative is for the State Police to use tire deflation devices to stop motorized vehicles on the Rail Trail.
Public policing of ATV use is the most effective means of enforcement. State Troopers can write violations if a citizen can positively identify someone riding an ATV on the Rail Trail. The citizen must be willing to give a sworn statement and be willing to testify in court at the hearing. Photographs also work even if someone else positively identifies the violator. Council members suggested using video cameras to record violators. Trooper Raymond discouraged citizens from making citizen arrests or stopping the violators themselves. He encouraged people to report patterns of use (someone who is always on the Rail Trail every night) even if they cannot identify the violators.
ATVs an State Lands --Chuck Vile noted that the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation (FP&R) is reevaluating its rules and regulations regarding ATV use on state lands. The reevaluation began for two reasons: the current policy of no motorized vehicles may violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and as taxpayers, ATV users have requested designated recreation areas on state property. The Commissioner ofFP&R has requested the Council's thoughts concerning ATV use on the MVRT. Council members briefly discussed the issue and agreed general ATV use on the Trail was not compatible with other trail uses andjeopardized the safety of trail users. Regarding ADA, the Council did not reach a consensus. Council members felt the issue needed further discussion.
MINUTES
Stan Beauregard moved and Chad Pearson seconded that the minutes of May 21 and April 15 be approved. Motion approved.
GRANT ACTIVITY COORDINATION AND GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Federal funding was approved for two grants the Council won. The funds will make parking area enhancements and provide temporary restroom facilities along the Rail Trail. For the parking area enhancements, the Council agreed that any work not completed in St. Albans by the Youth Corps should be finished. Other work sites include Greens Comers, North Sheldon, East Berkshire, and Richford. Enosburg has asked the Agency of Transportation to construct a shared park-and-ride and Rail Trail parking facility. The temporary restroom facilities' application included port-o-lets and shelters to screen them from view. When port-o-lets are no longer needed, the Council could move the shelters and use them as rest stops. The Council discussed where the facilities would be best placed. Three ideas emerged: at parking areas (highly visible), at private businesses next to the Trail (less likely to be vandalized), and near fishing accesses (serving a dual purpose).
UPDATES
Construction -- Construction is expected to be completed next week. This week, the contractor is laying two more inches of surface from Sheldon to Richford. The surface will be spongy, probably until next spring. VAOT plans to sandblast the charred bridge and replace the decking in late August or September.
Bikeways Grant Application -- The Council applied for funds to cost share bike racks with businesses. The idea was to demonstrate the value of providing services for trail users.
Youth Corps Team -- Work will begin next week.
Nonprofit Status -- The Council is officially a federal nonprofit organization. This means contributions are tax deductible and purchases are tax free.
Vermont Trail System -- The Council's application to designate the Rail Trail as a part of the Vermont Trail System was approved.
ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAM
Raymond Larose presented a draft Adopt-A-Trail program summary (attached). The Council voted to forward the summary to VAOT as a beginning point for a formal agreement. Mark Bombardier asked the Council to consider how the Adopt-A-Trail program works with ongoing VAST trail maintenance. Will Adopt-A-Trail be a summer season program?
OTHER BUSINESS
Paving of Cattle Crossings -- Roy Baker noted that the paved cattle crossing at Vaillancourt's Farm was covered in two inches of manure. They chose to turn around rather than cross it. The Council wondered if farmers could shovel the crossings.
User Survey -- The St. Albans Messenger has offered to print a user survey to help measure trail use. The Council approved the draft survey.
Trail Grand Opening -- The Council proposed a grand opening event/ribbon cutting in late July and will contact The Abbey as a possible location. Legislators, state VAST representatives, and VAOT/FP&R personnel will be invited to participate in this public event.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Waninger, Special Projects PlannerApproved: _____________________
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, July 15, 1998 at 7:30 p.m.
Location To Be Announced
PROPOSED MEETING AGENDA FOR JULY 15
Anyone wishing to send their personal thoughts on ATV use on state lands or ATV use on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail should forward their ideas to:
Conrad Motyka, Commissioner,
VT Dept. of Forests, Parks, & Recreation
103 South Main Street, Bldg. 9 South
Waterbury, VT 05671-0605
