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Present: Dorothy Baker, Roy Baker, Bill Brunelle, Kathleen Brunelle, John Gale, Raymond Larose, Ellen McNeil, Steve McNeil, Gil Newbury (VTrans) and son, Richard Roberge, Cynthia Scott, Jim Smith (VTrans), David Stanley, Duane Stetson, Molly Stetson, Bonnie Waninger (NRPC), Carl Whitehouse.
Chair Raymond Larose called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
R. Roberge moved to accept the minutes of the September 21, 1999 meeting as written. B. Brunelle seconded Motion carried.
C. Scott was introduced as the new coordinator. Scott was hired in early September. Since that time she has distributed the new edition of the Trail Guide, checked the Trail (1/4 of the Trail per week through end of October), worked with Mike Loner on his proposed End-to-End program, and coordinated the bicycle rack grant program.
WPTZ - R. Larose reported that he and several other Council members, YCC crew leaders, and some Trail users were interviewed by WPTZ for their "Champlain 2000" series. The Rail Trail feature was aired on November 1, 1999.
Sheldon Bridge Progress - B. Waninger reported that Andy Deforge will be the Project Manager. He will be in contact to set up the contract. VTrans has suggested a steering committee of representatives from the Council, Town of Sheldon, and VAST, be established. An early 2000 start is anticipated with an oi~timistic completion date of November 2000. The VTrans
will manage the project.
Richford Extension Progress - Andy Deforge will be the Project Manager. He will be contacting the Town of Richford to begin the contract process.
District 8 Assistance - G. Newbury advised that the VTrans (and not the Dept. of Forest, Parks and Recreation) will probably assume responsibility for all Trail maintenance. The District has been patrolling the Trail and will be making repairs to gates and signs this winter. The patrol will be on an every-other-week basis. Newbury requested all maintenance problems be reported to their office. B. Waninger requested clarification on whether VTrans was changing its contact for the Trail. Richard Bowen has been the contact. Newbury said he would follow up with the Agency to confirm. Council members should continue using Bowen as the VTrans contact until notified otherwise. Newbury has been working with Craig Dusab!on, Landscape Coordinator, to address vegetation control along the Trail. A tractor and trailer of tools has been assigned to the Trail for next season. Newbury suggested that volunteer labor could be focused best on enhancement projects.
Bicycle Rack Grant Progress - C. Scott reported that she has contacted 30 businesses about the program and has received verbal interest from 13 businesses for 18-22 racks; however signed agreements have been received from only 4 businesses for 5 racks. The County Courier ran an article on the program. It was suggested that the Council facilitate the process for businesses by organizing the purchase of the racks. C. Whitehouse moved that C. Scott investigate and organize a bike rack purchase plan on behalf of the Council. B. Brunelle seconded. Motion carried. J. Smith offered to store the racks at the VTrans and help with distribution. Arrangements could be made to pick up racks from Burlington. The model preferred by most businesses is the galvanized 6-bicycle wheel hitch style.
Parking Area Grant Progress - B. Waninger reported that the YCC worked on 3 of the 6 sites planned for in the Transport Enhancement Grant. The remaining sites are Richford, E. Berkshire, and Greens Correr (if funds permit). Discussion with Richford is in progress; E. Berkshire is in the permitting process; and a meeting with the VTrans District 8 staff will be scheduled to discuss Greens Corner. There is no deadline on the grant, however VTrans staff has suggested all work should be completed by December 31, 2000. There was some discussion of parking in Sheldon Springs and of a commuter parking lot off Orchard St in Enosburg Falls which could also be used by Trail users and for canoe access.
Rail Trail Workday - C. Scott reported that a workday was held on Friday, October 22 to weed the planting beds at the St. Albans trailhead. Nine volunteers were present - seven Ben & Jerry's employees, and two Council members. The Council expressed its appreciation for the assistance from Ben & Jerry's.
"Land Posted " Signs - It was reported that there are "land posted" signs infringing on the Trail right of way. G. Newbury said that VTrans will remove signs next spring.
Berkshire Parking Area Proposal - Discussion continued on the proposal by Ernest Jones to use his land in Berkshire as a parking area. B. Brunelle moved that the Council concentrate its present efforts on parking sites on VTrans and municipal properties. Seconded by R. Roberge. Motion carried.
C Scott reported that she has sent out renewal letters to 38 Friends whose membership year had expired, and to 10 Trail users who had left an address at a sign-in box. Since this mailing, 17 memberships and a total of $525 have been received (17 renewals, and 3 new Friends).
Scott presented ideas for building the Friend of the Trail program with two components - funds and friends - and asked for Council input. The Council will continue work on the program at its February meeting. In the meantime, Scott will continue her current efforts and investigate a booth at the Home Show and other community events.
There being no other business, R. Larose adjourned the meeting at 9: 10 p.m.
No Council meeting in December.
Annual meeting tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, 2000.
Copied using scanner & OCR software by Kenyon F. Karl <railtrails@crosswinds.net> from materials supplied by the NVRTC. Unintentional errors are likely!
