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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, Betty Jacobs, Lloyd Jacobs, Raymond Larose, Theda Larose, Richard Roberge, Jim Smith, Dave Stanley, Evelyn Stanley, Duane Stetson, Molly Stetson, Bonnie Waninger (NRPC)
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
D. Roberge moved to accept the minutes of the June 16, 1999 meeting with one amendment - D. Roberge was added to the list of attendees for the 06/16/99 meeting. B. Brunelle seconded. Motion carried.
D. Roberge motioned to hire a Rail Trail Coordinator. D. Stanley seconded Motion carried. The Coordinator will be funded by the Vermont Agency of Transportation Planning Division and will work approximately 7-10 hours per week. The Coordinator would be paid through the Regional Planning Commission, however he/she would work directly with the Council. Council members agreed that the Coordinator's priority tasks in order of high to low priority should be:
A hiring committee was nominated and included B. Brunelle, T. Larose, D. Stanley, and J. Gale (nominated in absentia by the committee). NRPC will advertise the job description and coordinate the hiring committee and interviews. The Coordinator will be hired by the next meeting.
Mile Marker Posts -- R. Larose reported the mile marker posts between Sheldon Junction and Richford have been installed. The Council expressed its appreciation to Larose, B. Brunelle, J. Smith, and J. Gale for their workday efforts. Volunteers are the heart of the Trail!
Mowing -- Mowing has been completed due to a combined effort between VAOT staff in Montpelier and St. Albans and several Council members. Council members noted the mowing job was the best to date. Community members have complimented the effort.
Conference Presentation -- B. Waninger briefed the Council on her presentation with Amy Bell, VAOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, at the 2"d International Trails and Greenways Conference. The presentation focused on long-term maintenance issues and addressed design concerns and partnership efforts. Conference participants complimented the Council, NRPC, FP&R, and VAOT on their efforts to work together and noted the team effort would likely provide long-term maintenance stability once the "kinks" have been worked out. Waninger noted conference participants advised the Council to purchase insurance if it sponsored workdays and special events. The Council directed RPC to investigate the cost and coverage of insurance and to report at the next meeting.
Sheldon Bridge -- The application to replace the missing span of the Sheldon Bridge made the first cut of projects for the VAOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. A site visit by the selection committee is scheduled for August 12. R. Larose will represent the Council. B. Waninger noted the Richford Rail Trail Extension proposal was also selected for a site visit. Final project selections are expected in early September.
Sheldon Junction Detour -- Council members noted that trail users seem to be having a hard time following the existing detour signs when traveling from St. Albans towards Richford. The trail entrance next to Nutrite is not marked and resembles a road. B. Waninger noted the Youth Corps crew would be installing a MVRT Parking Area sign at this location. This may help alleviate the problem. Once the Sheldon Bridge is replaced, the trail location should become clearer.
St. Albans Parking Area -- The flowerbeds installed by the 1998 Youth Corps crew need weeding. Volunteers are encouraged to spend a few hours helping.
Shade Needed! -- Council members noted several sections of the trail are very exposed to the sun. A discussion was held regarding the benefits and drawbacks of developing a "buy a tree" program for the trail. Due to watering concerns, Council members did not feel the Council could sponsor the program at this time. Council members noted an Adopt-A-Trail program would assist in community efforts to enhance the trail and provide much needed facilities.
There being no other business, B. Brunelle moved to adjourn at 8:0Sp.m. D. Stanley seconded. Motion carried.
RAIL TRAIL UPDATE -- August, 1999
Rail Trail Coordinator -- Two applications were received. The hiring committee will meet on August 23 to
interview applicants.
Sheldon Junction Bridge Replacement -- The August 12 site visit went well. The selection committee asked for a clarification of the difference between the consultant's estimated cost and the amount requested. NRPC will provide the information.
Youth Corps Crew -- The crew will work at parking areas in St. Albans, Sheldon Junction, and North Sheldon from August 30 through September 3. Bill Brunelle is coordinating the effort for the Council. Channel 5 news would like to do a story on the crew's Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail efforts. Raymond Larose is coordinating with Channel 5. Note: The East Berkshire site did not receive permitting approval and was removed from the project list. VAOT will conduct a field investigation for archeological resources at the East Berkshire site. The East Berkshire work will be transferred back to the Council's transportation enhancement grant project list.
Next Meeting -- Wednesday, September 15
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
