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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Mark Bombardier, John Gale, Doug Hewitt (Pinkham Engineering), Raymond Larose, Richard Roberge, Evelyn Stanley, Bonnie Waninger (NRPC)
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
D. Roberge moved to accept the minutes of the January' 20, 1999 meeting as written, M. Bombardier seconded. Motion carried.
D. Hewitt updated the Council on the three new options for replacing the missing bridge span: a replacement railroad bridge, a cantilever bridge offRt. 105 highway bridge, and a Bailey Bridge. Pinkham staff spoke with railroad personnel about a replacement bridge. After the train derailment, the railroad considered a replacement bridge of similar design. However, the replacement consisted of two spans and required a new pier to be constructed. A single span was not available. A cantilever bridge would require a detailed review of the structural design of the Rt. 105 bridge. It would also require the acquisition of additional right-of-way outside the rail corridor. The Bailey Bridge is a temporary highway structure usually used to replace bridges damaged in floods or used for detours during road construction. A Bailey Bridge would perform the same function as a pre-fabricated bridge, but it would not meet the historic preservation criteria.
The final draft study also includes information on projected scheduling. The next step would be project scoping and concept plans, which take approximately four months to complete. Another 8 months should be allotted for completion of the final plans and construction documents. Depending on the chosen replacement option, construction would take about 6 months. Each step depends on securing funding.
The final draft will be forwarded with the Council's comments to VAOT staff for their comments. The combined comments will be returned to Pinkham for incorporation into the final study (expected by mid-March).
No updates.
Without a quorum present, Council members declined to elect members-at-large and officers. The following names were submitted as nominees for members-at-large:
Members noted that Jim Smith represented St. Albans City not the Town which leaves the Council without a Town representative. Dorothy and Roy Baker expressed interest and will contact the Town for appointment. Members also noted that Richford Village and Town have merged thereby reducing the municipally appointed members by one. Council members supported changing the Council's Bylaws to give VAST a permanent seat on the Council. VAST representatives are currently at-large members. The change in Bylaws will be warned for a vote at the next Council meeting.
Share the Trail - J. Gale brought in a sample ofa VAST sign. The sign says "CAUTION, Cross Country Skiers on Trail." Gale suggested VAST post these signs on the Rail Trail every year to assist in promoting the share-the-trail concept. M. Bombardier will request the VAST signs for winter 2000.
State Park Proposal - VAOT and FP&R are currently reviewing draft language for the transfer within state government.
R. Larose motioned to adjourn at 8:30 p.m., D. Roberge seconded. Motion carried.
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
