|
|
Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathieen Brunelle,. Scott Christiansen, John Gale, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Chet Parsons, Kate Parsons, Richard Roberge, Cynthia Scott, Jim Smith (VTrans), Dave Stanley.
Vice Chair Bill Brunelle called the meeting to order at 7: 10 p.m.
A. Deforge submitted the following amendment to the minutes of January 19, 2000: Item on Sheldon Bridge Progress, sentence starting Ande Deforge ... should read "Ande Deforge, Project Supervisor, estimates that construction will start Spring 2002 with a possible completion in Autumn 2002. He is writing up a scope of work now. New construction will put in the missing span, and the old spans will be revamped." R. Roberge moved to accept the minutes of January 19, 2000 with the above amendment and the minutes of February 16, 2000 as written including the annual financial statement. D. Stanley seconded. Motion carried.
R. Larose mentioned that engineering consultant firm Dufresne & Henry have been hired and that there is a lot of work to be done and more than two dozen criteria have to be met prior to the start of construction in Spring 2002. A. Deforge will keep the project's steering committee informed of progress. The permit process will be starting very soon. Total estimated project cost is $678,000.
C. Scott has been in contact with a barbecue supplier, an historian, and a naturalist about creating an event to celebrate National Trails Day, to thank Rail Trail Friends, and to fundraise. Barbecue - Lloyd Touchette of Enosburg Falls was contacted; Wetherbee's and Noel Blouin will be contacted as well. Historian/Naturalist - it was agreed that we will just have a naturalist at this event. Date - ideal date is June 11. Canopy - R. & T. Larose will lend us their 10'x20' canopy; information on the Sheldon Bridge project could be put on display. C. Scott will continue to work on the event.
Vt Youth Conservation Corps Grant - C. Scott reported that we have not yet received a decision on our grant proposal; however, in discussions with VYCC, we modified the proposal to cover construction but not installation of the kiosks in order to improve our chances of receiving a grant.
Parking Area Grant Progress - C. Scott read B. Waninger's update. The Town of Richford will provide a design for their parking area and will pursue categorical exclusion for permits. The Council's grant money of $5-6,000 will go directly to construction. A Request for Proposals for design work at Greens Corners and E. Berkshire has been issued and responses are due March 23. The contract is for $2,000. R. Roberge and B. Brunelle agreed to serve on the consultant selection committee to review the submitted proposals on March 24, 10-11 am, at the NRPC office.
Port-o-let Grant - R. Larose reported that we will not use the portion of the Recreation Trails Grant received in 1998 earmarked for the purchase of hand tools for maintenance. As the Council had chosen to turn back the major portion of the grant which was earmarked for the purchase of port-o-lets, the grant agency requested the Council to return the entire grant.
Maintenance - J. Smith reported that VTrans will do a complete check of the trail's condition as soon as weather permits. They have new gates ready to replace broken ones.
Annual Meeting - It was suggested that, in future, the business meeting and the entertainment be scheduled on separate dates.
Dairy Days Milk Run - It was suggested that the Rail Trail be offered to Milk Run organizers as an alternative to runners having to use Route 105. C. Scott will contact the Lions Club.
April Council Meeting - R. Larose suggested that the April meeting be held in Richford. The meeting will take place at Brenda's Kitchen on Saturday, April 15 at 9 am. C. Scott will contact Brenda's Kitchen and ask S. Smolinsky to present an update on Richford's activities on the trail extension.
'Hooked on the Outdoors' magazine - C. Scott reported that B. Waninger has been contacted by a writer who wants to do an article on the MVRT this spring for Ontario-based magazine Hooked on the Outdoors. The Council would be responsible for the writer's costs of approximately $150 for food and lodging.
Home & Recreation Show - The MVRT had a display at the NRPC's booth at the Home & Recreation Show in St. Albans last weekend. Many thanks to Bill and Kathleen Brunelle, Raymond Larose, and Phyllis Tiffany for helping to staff the booth, and to the NRPC for allowing us to share their booth.
There being no other business, B. Brunelle moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. C. Parsons seconded. Motion carried.
Thank you to the Village of Enosburg Falls for allowing us to use their conference space.
Copied using scanner & OCR software on April 10, 2000 by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
