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7:00 p.m., Northwest Regional Planning Commission, St. Albans
Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Mark Bombardier, Ralph Chilton (VT State Police), John Gale, Doug Hewitt (Pinkham Engineering), Steve Johnston, Raymond Larose, Richard Roberge, Jim Smith, Chuck Vile (FP&R), Bonnie Waninger (NRPC), Carl Whitehouse
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
R. Larose moved to accept the minutes of the November 16, 1998 meeting as written, D. Roberge seconded. Motion carried.
D. Hewitt presented a summary of the work conducted for the Sheldon Bridge Study. The Study considered several design elements including the condition of the existing structures, hydraulics, future rail travel, snowmobile use, historic preservation, safety, emergency vehicle access, signage, and approaches. The existing spans and abutments are generally in good shape to accommodate trail traffic. The wood deck needs several ties replaced and the bridge structure has localized corrosion and surface pitting. Cracks in the abutments and piers will need to be sealed after other minor repairs are made.
Four options have been considered as alternatives for replacing the missing span.
The Council suggested exploring several other options, including a cantilever addition to the VT 105 bridge, a Bailey Bridge, and a stored railroad bridge. They also requested that the final report include a quick outline of next steps and associated costs and a timeline for completion. The consultant will present the final draft study at the Council's February meeting. Advance copies of the study will be mailed to Council members two weeks before the meeting.
Construction - The burned bridge repair is completed, closing the construction contract.
Grant Activities - No action.
Granf Applications - The Council approved the applications for a Youth Conservation Corps crew and for sending members to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy conference. An application for picnic tables will be completed by February 5.
B. Waninger presented four types of bicycle racks for Council review. Racks are generally chosen based on the quality of rack construction, desired level of bicycle protection, how long the bicycle will be parked, and the site where the rack will be placed. Because the decision is related to site location, the Counci1 decided to allow the bicycle rack partner chose a style. The Council will use its grant to fund up to 50% of the cost per bicycle, not to exceed $22.50 per bicycle. Shipping and installation costs are not included. For example, if a rack partner chooses a 5-bike rack that costs $225, then the cost per bicycle = $45. The Council would contribute 50% of $45, or $22.50. If a bicycle rack costs $55 and parks two bicycles, then 50% of the cost per bicycle is $27.50, In this case, the Council would only contribute $22.50 towards the rack purchase. NRPC will prepare information on rack alternatives and the Council's contribution for members to distribute.
The Council reviewed its current appointed and at-large member list and noted several members have not attended meetings during the past year. R. Larose offered to call members to ask if they would still like to serve on the Council in 1999. If not, fhe Council (through NRPC) will send letters to member municipalities requesting new appointees. Larose suggested reviewing minutes for potential members-at-large M· Bombardier expressed his interest in becoming a member-at-large. A list of nominees will be presented at the annual meeting on February 17.
Speed Enforcement/Share the Trail - Several cross-country skiers have complained of excessive speed by snowmobiles on the trail. M. Bombardier noted Frankiin Co. VAST received funds for speed enforcement this year. VAST has worked with the Vermont State Police to set up speed patrols. He expects the patrols to take effect shortly.
Dog Complaint - A request was made by a trail neighbor in Sheldon for a dogs-on-lease rule. The Council will consider the request when the Management Plan is updated.
Special Event - The Northwest Solid Waste District requested a permit to hold a snowshoe shuffle and snowshoe walk on the Rail Trail on March 5. The event will raise money for Green Up Day activities. The request was forwarded to FP&R.
State Park Proposal - The idea of making the trail a linear state park was proposed by FP&R Commission Conrad Motyka in St. Albans last fall. VAOT and FP&R have been considering the idea. A straw poll of legislative support for the idea is reportedly underway.
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
