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NORTHWEST VERMONT RAIL TRAIL COUNCIL

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 19, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
Northwest Regional Planning Commission office
St. Albans, VT

Present: Richard Archambault, Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Walter Bombard, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Newell Decker, John Gale, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Scott MacKenzie, Cynthia Scott, Jim Smith, Dave Stanley, John Thibert, Carl Whitehouse.

Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

RAILROAD REMINISCENCES

Former CVRT employee Wafter Bombard, railroad enthusiast Newell Decker, and miniature railroad hobbiest John Thibert talked about Mr. Bombard's days working for the CVRT. J. Thibert is planning on creating a contoured model of the CVRT line from St. Albans to Richford in a room at the Barlow School.

MINUTES

B. Brunelle moved to accept the minutes of April 13, 2002 as written. Seconded by R. Archambault.
Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

C. Rutkowski presented the first quarter 02 financial report (January 1 - March 31). R. Baker moved to accept the report Seconded by T. Larose. Motion carried.

WAYSIDE SIGNS

Council members feel that the $16,875 cost estimate to produce 5 signs for inclusion in parking area kiosks is too expensive, even if we were to obtain an Enhancement Grant. It was suggested that more explanation is needed to justify the costs.

USER SURVEY AND COUNT

It was decided that the Trail user survey and count will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17 and the Friends brochure will be handed out at the same time. C. Scott has sent a request to Coke for a donation of bottled water which can be given to Trail users. All materials will be available for Council members who want to do user counts/surveys on days other than Aug. 17.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Tom Stone: It was agreed that we would pursue this opportunity, perhaps tie it in with the opening of Sheldon Junction Bridge. A decision on a date for the event will be made at our August meeting.
• Bicycle Trip: It was felt that any special event for Friends should be held on the MVRT rather than take them elsewhere to bicycle. It was suggested that a special lunch be offered at the Abbey with transportation for people and bicycles back to their parked cars. This could be held in mid Sept. Friends would get a discount on the meal.

UPDATES

• Sheldon Bridge - J. Gale reported that most of the approach is now finished and that the cement abutments are being poured. The construction firm called M. Loner about disposal of the old railroad ties. If they succeed in giving the ties away rather than disposing of them as hazardous waste, there should be a $5-6,000 savings in the project cost.
• Bench/Table Grant - C. Scott reported that 6 bicycle racks, 6 picnic table frames, 8 benches, and 24 duckbill anchors have been ordered. The benches are on backorder until July; the other items have been delivered. Awaiting permission from VT Historic & Archeological Preservation. VT Threatened & Endangered Species won't allow benches/tables within close view of wetland areas.
• VYCC Grant for Kiosks - Confirmation has not yet been received but it is likely that a St. Albans crew will be available to make 2 kiosks on site week of Aug. 5.
• Sheldon Dog Problem - The Sheldon dog catcher has spoken with owners of suspected dog problems referred to at sign-in box. If he receives more complaints, owners will be fined.
• Dairy Festival Parade - The Guy Choiniere family and 2 friends rode bicycles for the Rail Trail; R. Larose and B. Brunelle carried our banner. A majority of Council members voted to thank the Choiniere's with a $30 McDonald's gift certificate.
• Northern Forest Canoe Trail - C. Scott reported that 3 river field trips were held in May to scout possible campsites and river hazards.
• Enosburg Historical Society - C. Scott made a presentation on the Council and its activities to the Enosburg Historical Society in May.
• Enosburg Sewer Construction - Part of the bank constructed last summer is failing; R. Larose reported that the construction firm will be taking care of the repair. This problem does not interfere with Trail usage.

OTHER BUSINESS

• Paved Surface - Scott MacKenzie expressed interest in having the Trail paved.
• Dogs - Roy Baker reported that at the St. Albans parking area there is a problem of dog manure and of dogs not on leashes.
• Shoulder Vegetation - Roy Baker mentioned that the shoulder vegetation is growing into the Trail.
• Horses - R. Larose reported that horses ridden several abreast ruined the Trail surface between the Casino and Spooner's Corner.
• Next Meeting - It was agreed that the August meeting will be held on Wed., August 7, 2002.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, R. Baker moved to adjourn at 10 p.m. B. Brunnelle seconded. Motion carried.