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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Stan Beauregard, Mark Bombardier, John Gale, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Richard Roberge, Val Schadinger, Jim Smith, Duane Stetson, Paula Stetson, Phyllis Tiffany, Bonnie Waninger
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes were approved with the following amendments: Mark Bombardier requested a copy of the MUTCD standards relating to the recommended distance between "stop ahead" and "stop" signs and the field variations that are permitted. VAST believes the signs are too close together for the 35-mph speed limit in some locations and are not uniform in their placement. He also requested clarification of the trail rules on who has right-of-way at driveways. VAST rules require posting of stop signs at driveways on VAST trails. It was clarified that trail users have the right-of-way at driveways along the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. Mark noted that this might pose a safety danger to trail users if drivers are unaware that trail users have right-of-way.
VT Recreation Trails Fund Grant -- The Council reviewed the inventory of businesses and organizations that have agreed to open their restrooms to trail users. The number and spacing of restrooms seemed adequate for summer users, but inadequate for winter users. Members also questioned whether private businesses could be relied upon over time as trail use increases. Restrooms are needed, but the cost of renting port-o-lets is $1,000 per port-o-let per year. Community sponsorship will be needed. Four locations for the port o-let shelters were recommended: the St. Albans trailhead, the trail parking area at Sheldon Junction, Enosburg Rentals in Enosburg Falls, and the town garage in Richford. Coordination with trail neighbors, the Town ofRichford, and VAOT will be needed for these locations.
Lake Champlain Bikeways Grant -- This grant allows the Council to assist businesses and community organization with the cost of purchasing bicycle racks. The goal is to create a bicycle-friendly environment that encourages trail users to stop in local communities. The grant allows the Council to split the cost of a rack 50-50 with a local organization or business. Members volunteered to contact businesses to gauge interest. Additional help is needed in Sheldon, Enosburg, and Richford. Contact Bonnie at 524-5958 if you'd like to spend an hour talking with business owners.
Members discussed whether or not to hold an opening celebration for the Sheldon to Richford portion of the trail. While some members believed the celebration would provide much needed publicity and enthusiasm, others felt the Phase I celebration and Youth Corps celebration were sufficient. A suggestion to hold a fall foliage celebration was made. The Council agreed to table the idea for further discussion at its September meeting. Phyllis volunteered to write articles to promote the trail regardless of whether a celebration was held. Members seemed supportive of the idea.
Construction -- The final inspection for Phase 1I was held in late July. A few details need to be finished, but generally the Trail construction met the contract specifications. Mowing and brush cutting is scheduled to begin next week.
Youth Corps Team -- The August 3 celebration of the Youth Corps' work at the St. Albans trailhead was well attended. FP&R Commissioner Conrad Motyka proposed the idea of making the Rail Trail a linear state park. He suggested state park status could bring maintenance and management funds to the Trail. State park status can only be granted by the legislature.
Trail Guide -- The inventory is completed. The expected distribution date is September 1. Mark pointed out that the guide might not reflect a snowmobiler's ability to use services since sleds are not permitted on streets and highways. He asked that the guide denote snowmobile accessibility. Bonnie and Mark will work together toward this goal.
Friends of the Trail -- The Council has gained 20 Friends since October 1997. Contributions to the Friend of the Trail program total $450.
Crossing Ensement -- The Agency of Transportation has
granted a temporary, limited access
through the trail fencing at Trail mile marker 4.5 and a
residential crossing at Trail mile marker 4.35.
OTHER BUSINESS
Trail Video Log -- VAOT will conduct a video log of the trail in September to document current trail conditions and assist in monitoring changes over time. VAOT has asked if trail volunteers would assist in opening and closing gates for the video van. Council members agreed to assist.
Lake Champlain Bikeways -- Last December, the Council agreed to co-host a workshop on "Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Business" with the St. Albans Area Chamber of Commerce and Lake Champlain Bikeways. Discussion on a date was tabled until the September meeting.
Trail Update -- Phyllis Tiffany recquested future agendas include a "trail update." The idea is to schedule time for trail user comments and discussion. The next agenda will include it. At the August meeting, trail update items included:
Sheldon Junction Bridge -- Bonnie noted that NRPC has included an engineering study and cost analysis of the railroad bridge in Sheldon Junction as a part of its FY 99 VAOT work program. The study will examine the structural stability of the abutments and existing spans; the feasibility of replacing the missing span with a temporary bridge to accommodate trail users; alternatives and costs for a temporary bridge and connecting the trail; and potential funding sources. The Council requested to participate in the study to review bridge alternatives.
Vounteer at Work Signs -- Raymond mentioned that NRPC has available laminated signs for volunteers working on the trail with motorized vehicles. The signs help trail users identify vehicles with temporary permission to travel the Trail. Volunteers should call NRPC before accessing the trail by motor vehicles. NRPC will them call the Vermont State Police to report the vehicle description and license number. This information assists the state police in responding to calls. Council members stressed that work on the trail should be done with non-motorized vehicles whenever possible.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Approved :____________________________
August 5, 1998
Ginny McGrath, Counsel,
Department of Forest Parks and Recreation
103 South Main Street, 9 South
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-0605
Dear Ms. McGrath:
Thank you for requesting the input of the Northwest Vermont Rail Trail Council regarding ATV use on the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail. The Council discussed the issue at both their June and July meetings.
The Council strongly recommends that no ATV's be allowed to travel on the trail for any reason. Council members agreed that mobility impaired users should be given suggested alternatives for vehicles which enable use of the trail without impairing the safety of other users (such as electric wheelchairs, scooters, and other vehicles which are not made to travel at high rates of speed). In addition, ATV's are not appropriate on this trail for maintenance, enforcement or other activities, as those with the need to travel on the trail can use regular trucks or autos after opening the gates.
The Council recognizes the need for all individuals to use the trail, and supports this concept. However, it is imperative that in making the trail accessible the State does not impact the safety of other users. For this reason, the Council recommends that vehicles constructed specifically for mobility impaired users be allowed. However, ATV use on the trail is not appropriate for the following reasons:
Thank you for allowing the Council to comment on this issue. Please feel free to call me (933-4182) or Bonnie Waninger, Special Project Planner (524-5958) if you have any questions.
Sincerely
Raymond Larosecc: Sam Lewis, Richard Bowen, Don Rich, VAOT
Chuck Vile, Forest, Parks and Recreation
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
