NORTHWEST VERMONT RAIL TRAIL COUNCIL
Annual Meeting Minutes for
Wednesday, February 14, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Northwest Regional Planning Commission office, St. Albans, VT
Present: Richard Archambault, Marie Brouillette, Richard Brouillette, Dorothy
Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Scott Christiansen, John
Gale, Francis Howrigan, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Mike Loner, Glen Pion,
Richard Roberge, Cindy Rutkowski, Cynthia Scott, Chapin Spencer, Dave Stanley,
Phyllis Tiffany, Bonnie Waninger.
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2000 Highlights
R. Larose presented a summary of the Council’s activities in 2000 which
included the National Trails Day celebration, a workday, booths/displays at
several events, the bicycle rack cost-share program, construction of information
kiosks, and media coverage. Projects in progress include the Sheldon Bridge
repairs, construction of 3 parking areas, and the Rail Trail Challenge program
Another National Trails Day celebration, an up-dated version of the Rail Trail
Guide, construction of 2 more kiosks, and picnic tables/benches/bicycle racks
along the Trail are planned for 2001. The Council is grateful to VTrans District
8 office for its cooperation and assistance
TREASURER’S REPORT
K. Brunelle presented the Council’s financial report for the period
October-December 2000 as well as a summary for the total year 2000. The report
is attached. B. Brunelle moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Seconded by
R. Roberge. Motion carried.
MEETING MINUTES
K. Brunelle moved to accept the minutes of December 13, 2000 as written. T.
Larose seconded. Motion carried.
UPDATES
- Promotional Item — C. Scott reported that the majority of Council
members preferred the mileage chart as a promotional item. Council members
identify more with the name Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail than with Northwest
Vermont Rail Trail Council.
- Eagle Scout Project — An Eagle Scout has expressed interest in putting
in town/street signs at intersections along the Trail. He has been asked to
put together a brief proposal to present to Council members.
- Special Event - B. Waniger suggested a presentation on art along trails by
Ben Hamilton-Baile from Sustrans in England as a special event hosted by the
Concil. He is currently studying in the U.S. C. Scott will contact him for
details on cost and availability.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS AT LARGE
R. Larose conducted the election of the members at large. Candidates
introduced themselves. Ballots listing 11 candidates who had expressed interest
were distributed to those in attendance. Each voter could vote for up to 8
candidates The following eight candidates were elected as members at large for
the year 2000: Richard Archambault, Marie Brouillette, Kathleen Brunelle,
William Brunelle, Scott Christiansen, Mike Loner, Cindy Rutkowski, and Dave
Stanley.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
- Chair — Dick Roberge moved to nominate Raymond Larose. Seconded by John
Gale. Motion carried.
- Vice Chair — Bill Brunelle moved to nominate Mike Loner. Seconded by
Dick Robe rge. Motion carrIed.
- Secretary/Treasurer — Kathleen Brunelle moved to nominate Cindy
Rutkowski. Seconded by Scott Christiansen. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
- Winter Walkers — P. Tiffany received a comment from an East Berkshire
resident who does not feel comfortable walking on the Trail in winter due to
the snowmobilers. It was suggested that walkers and cross-country skiers use
the Trail on weekdays and in the middle of the day when there are fewer
snowmobilers.
- Dogs — There was a discussion about problems with aggressive dogs
intimidating Trail users. These dogs are not leashed and are not with their
owners. All municipalities have leash laws and should be contacted if dogs
are not Ieashed.
- Public Outreach — It was suggested that the Council have a booth at the
Maple Festival and/or the Enosburg Dairy Festival. C. Scott will investigate
costs and details.
- Rail Trail Guide, French version — It was suggested that the Rail Trail
Guide be published in French for use by Quebecers. A grant application could
be made to cover the costs of translation and printing.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, B. Brunelle moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. K.
Brunelle seconded. Motion carried.
Copied using scanner & OCR software on March 24,
2001 by Kenyon F. Karl <Webmaster@new-england-rail-trails.org>
from materials supplied by the NVRTC.
Unintentional errors are likely!
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