|
|
Present: Mark Bombardier, Marie Broulilette, Richard Brouillette, Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Cynthia Scott, Jim Smith, Dave Stanley, MoUy Stetson, Chuck Vile, Bonnie Waninger, Sanford Woodbeck.
Sandy Woodbeck heads a VAST committee interested in turning the Lamoille County Railroad into an all season, multi-use recreation trail. The committee is currently seeking members from among other user groups and neighboring communities. The proposed 96-mile trail from St. Johnsbury to Swanton would pass through 17 towns in 5 counties. It would cross 70 major bridges (2 of which are currently missing) and more than 500 culverts. The surface would be crushed stone, unless a community wants a paved surface. The land would be leased from the state. The trait committee would seek private funding for trail development. VAST would take responsibility for large tasks such as washouts and downed trees and maintain the trail in winter, while local volunteers would look after such tasks as cutting the grass. A consultant has been hired to prepare cost estimates for various scenarios. It is estimated that it will take 5 years to turn the idea into reality.
R. Baker moved to accept the minutes of August 16, 2000 as written. J. Smith seconded. Motion carried.
K. Brunelle presented the Councils third quarter (June 1 to September 30) financial report showing a net income of $441.95. The Council's account balance is $3,793.73.
C. Scott discussed the proposed grant application for funding to complete 3 parking areas (at Greens Corner, East Berkshire, and Richford). It was suggested that only a few well-spaced trees be planted for shade at the new parking areas to reduce the possibility of trash build-up.
R. Baker moved that the next couple of Council meetings be held on the second Wednesday, after which the situation will be reevaluated. I Larose seconded. Motion carried.
B. Brunelle reported that the Councils committee had met with G. Newbury and that the missing mile markers will be replaced and match the existing markers. They will not be cemented in. VTrans will perform the work either this Fall or in Spring 2001.
The Council would like VTrans to plow the parking area this winter on an as needed' basis. Council would also like VTrans to evaluate ways of improving the safety and visibility of the parking area entrance off Route 7. Trash is a problem at the St. Albans parking area. It was suggested that thinning the foliage around the bases of the tree trunks might reduce the problem. Council would welcome the input of VTrans' horticulturalist, Craig DuSablon, on pruning. C. Scott will put these requests in writing to G. Newbury. R. Larose asked that the members of the mile marker committee be involved with these St. Albans parking area issues.
Information Kiosks - C. Scott reported that VTrans has offered to store the 3 kiosks in the Enosburg Town garage over the winter. A date for transporting the kiosks from Rutland has not yet been set. It is hoped they could be installed as part of the parking area construction work.
Paved Crossings - A response to Council's letter to D. Bowen (VTrans) states that there is no change in the policy of no net gain in paved crossings.
VYCC Grant Opportunity - Grant applications for a VYCC crew during summer 2001 are due in November. Possible projects include a) construction of 2 more information kiosks, b) thinning foliage at St. Albans parking area, and c) construction of picnic tables (Vt. Forest, Parks & Recreation recommends tables with a metal frame and wood top and seat, and would make them available to Council).
Rail Trail Guide - B. Waninger advised that the Guide has been reprinted to ensure adequate supplies until the updated version is issued next Spring. The updated version will be prepared in black and white as well as 2-color: the decision on which to print will depend on funds available.
Sheldon Bridge - Preliminary plans on the bridge will soon be available. The consultants prefer horizontal side rails to a chain link fence.
Rail Trail Challenge - C. Scott distributed the brochure/passport produced by M. Loner for his end-to-end Rail Trail Challenge program. He will be distributing the brochure and explaining the program to local businesses.
Enosburg History Alive - The Council had a booth and history quiz for kids at last weekend's community event in Enosburg Falls. Thanks to the Brunelles, E. Dodd, and R. Larose for staffing the booth.
Volunteer's Letter to the Editor - C. Scott distributed a letter to the editor from S. Costello and published September 6 in the St. Albans Messenger. Mr. Costello was a volunteer at Council's August 12 workday.
There being no other business, D. Stanley moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. T. Larose seconded. Motion carried.
Copied using scanner & OCR software on on Dec. 2, 2000 by Kenyon F. Karl <Webmaster@new-england-rail-trails.org> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
