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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Raymond Larose, Mike Loner, Richard Roberge, Cynthia Scott, Jim Smith (VTrans), Phyllis Tiffany, Bonnie Waninger (NRPC), Chuck Vile (VFPR).
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
R. Roberge moved to accept the minutes of the November ? 7, 1999 meeting as written. B. Brunelle seconded Motion carried.
Further to Council's agreement to support his concept of rewarding trail users who visit local businesses, M. Loner presented a final version of his proposal along with cost estimates. Council approved the brochurelpassport layout and patch designs. It was suggested that one design feature a snowmobile. M. Loner will investigate the cost of producing two patch designs within the same budget. At the Council's direction, C. Scott has prepared a Recreation Trails Fund Mini Grant application for $500 to fund the program in its first year.
The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2000, at which time election of officers and members-at-large will take place. The 5-member Romp family will present the story of their bicycle trip across the USA and up to Alaska. A nominating committee consisting of R. Baker, R. Larose, C. Scott, and P. Tiffany will contact current Council members to ascertain their continued interest in participating. Invitations will be mailed in early February.
There was discussion on whether to apply for a Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) crew and grant for this summer. B. Waninger has submitted the plans for bulletin boards/kiosks prepared by VFPR to VYCC. It was decided that if the project is suitable for a VYCC crew, we will apply for a crew and funds to cover the cost of materials for 5 kiosks. If that project is not suitable for a VYCC crew, we will not apply for a grant this year. C. Scott will write the application.
Sheldon Bridge Progress - B. Waninger reported that a Steering Committee made up of representatives from VTrans, the Town of Sheldon, the Council, NRPC, VFPR and VAST had been formed and its first meeting held last week. Raymond Larose and John Gale represent the Council on the Steering Committee. Ande Deforge, Project Manager, estimates that construction will start summer 2000 with completion in autumn 2002. He is writing up a scope of work now. New construction will be put in the missing span, and the old spans will be revamped.
Home & Recreation Show - C. Scott reported that Hazen's Notch Association has agreed to share MRVT's booth if the show organizers allow it. Presence at the show will give the MVRT good public exposure. Booth availability will be known at end of January. R. Larose noted that NRPC will also have a booth. The Council may be able to share it.
Bicycle Rack Program - C. Scott reported that 40 bicycle racks have been purchased by the Council with the grant funds. 32 of these racks have been distributed to 16 local businesses, leaving 8 racks still available for sale at a cost of $50 each. R. Larose thanked J. Smith and C. Scott for delivering the racks to businesses.
Parking Area Grant Progress - B. Waninger reported that she and R. Larose met with Richford concerning their parking area. Richford is receptive to having Council funds put towards their new parking area in Missisquoi Park which will include an extension of the Rail Trail. The Town is investigating possibilities for developing construction drawings.
Quarterly Financial Report - B. Waninger presented the Council's financial report for the period 10/9/99-12/31/99. The ending balance is $2,152.03.
WPTZ- The Rail Trail feature prepared by WPTZ for their "Champlain 2000" series and aired November ?, 1999 was shown to meeting attendees.
ATV's - There was some discussion of 4-wheelers using the Rail Trail at excessive speed. C. Vile mentioned that a surveillance camera can be installed for several weeks to identify the operator(s), but the matter has to be handled by the State Police. The Council declined pursuing this option for the present time.
Commercial Tour Groups - C. Vile mentioned that commercial tour groups using the Rail Trail must obtain a commercial recreational license (minimum cost of $250) from VFP&R.
Video - J. Smith suggested that a promotional video be made of the Rail Trail for use at places such as welcome centers.
Web Site - C. Vile will make sure that the MVRT is listed on the VFPR department's web site.
C. Scott reported that $690 was received in membership dues during the fourth quarter from 16 Friends who renewed their memberships and 5 new Friends.
A letter was sent to the Central Vermont Railroad Historical Society requesting an article in their quarterly magazine to members. It is hoped that new Friends for the MVRT might come from among the Historical Society's members.
C. Scott suggested that the MRVT acknowledge National Trails Day with a special event such as a tour with a naturalist followed by a fundraising barbecue. Council members suggested a presentation or tour with a railroad historian. It was agreed to pursue the subject at the Council's March meeting.
There being no other business, R. Larose adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
| St. Albans City | Jim Smith |
| St. Albans Town | Dorothy & Roy Baker |
| Swanton | Carl Whitehouse |
| Fairfield | vacant |
| Sheldon | John Gale |
| Enosburgh Town | Richard Roberge |
| Enosburg Falls | Raymond Larose (Chair) |
| Berkshire | vacant (mailings sent to Select Board Chair, Robert Archambault) |
| Richford | Dale Guertin |
| VAST | Mark Bombardier |
| Richard Archambault |
| Kathleen Brunelle (TreasurerlSecretary) |
| Barry Kade |
| Evelyn Stanley |
| David Stanley |
| Bill Brunelle (Vice-Chair) |
| Guy Choiniere |
| Chet Parsons |
| Phyllis Tiffany |
| VT Agency of Transportation | Gil Newbury Amy Bell Richard Bowen |
| Northwest Regional Planning Commission | Bonnie Waninger |
| VT Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation | Chuck Vile |
November 17, 1999
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
