Board Attendees:  Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Tom Frantz, George Heaton, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Chris Norris, Jack Shields, Peter Southworth, Nita Tomaszewski

Loyal Trail Supporter;  Welcome Guests: Ricker Miller, Prescott Towle, Patrice Rasche, Steve Rasche;  Marie Nardino and Bill Radzelovage (E. Andover)

Business Matters:

1. Minutes of April 2019 Board Meeting, accepted unanimously without amendment.

2. Treasurer’s Report.  The Treasurer’s Report continued to show a healthy balance in the bank, as donations come in and few expenditures have been made.  This happy condition puts us in a the position to embark immediately on a series of projects for the maintenance and betterment of the Trail.

Federal and State tax filings were submitted during the last month, and renewal of DOT’s annual blue signage permits received.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted unanimously.

Unanimous approval was given to the report, which shows FNRT-MC in a good position to embark on various projects during the warm-weather period.

3. Andover Hub Donation.  A donation of $100 was authorized in grateful recognition of the congenial and convenient meeting space provided to FNRT-MC by the Andover Hub.

4. D&O Liability Insurance Authorization.  As requested at last meeting, Prescott Towle brought a proposal for Directors and Officers Liability Insurance from the A. W. Frost Agency in Franklin.  Brief discussion revealed unanimity among the Directors as to the prudence of such coverage, especially at its relatively modest cost.

Prescott Towle was therefore authorized to act on the Directors’ behalf to obtain this coverage for a period of three years.  The Board expresses its appreciation to Prescott for his continuing contributions to the Trail, in this matter and in many others.

Trail Projects:

1. Chance Pond Bridge Repair.  Chris Norris brought photos and a full report on the status of the previously-discussed Chance Pond bridges, which are in sore need of repair.  On-site reviews between Chris and frequent-FNRT-MC-contractor Rodney Judkins had yielded proposals of different scope and design.

Discussion of the various possibilities led the Board to authorize an expenditure of up to $10,500 for the Chance Pond bridges, and a directive to Chris Norris to conclude a contract with Rodney Judkins to accomplish the work as soon as possible.

2. Danbury Bridge Railing Replacement.  The railings on two bridges in the northern section of Danbury (north and south of the Zaccaria Road crossing) are in need of quick and full replacement.  This is a task that will require a small number of people, small amounts of materials, good skills and only a little time. The Board will pay for all materials, having authorized $800 for this purpose.

Volunteers for This Bridge Project are More-Than-Welcome!  (Contact George Heaton, at george.r.heaton@nullgmail.com.)

3. Mowing, and Mowing Preparation.   Mowing of the entire Trail will begin in mid-June by contractor Jim Shaw.  In order to accomplish this work, the Trail must be free of obstruction – fallen branches, debris, etc. – for approximately 7 feet from the edge of the Trail.  Ricker Miller volunteered to spearhead an effort to police and clear the entire Trail for this purposes. Date to be announced.

Volunteers for This Trail Clearing Project are More-Than-Welcome!  (Contact Ricker Miller at ricker@nullrickermiller.com.)

4. Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants.  Lindy Heim and Jack Shields represented FNRT-MC at a recent workshop for organizations interested in applying for an RTP grant.  Such grants cover projects ranging from $8000 – $30,000, and require a 20% match for the program’s 80% contribution.

As a funding source for FNRT-MC, RTP could be well-suited to support a long-term remedy to the problematic culverts at Eagle Pond.   Jack and Lindy have therefore agreed to pursue this opportunity by engaging a consulting engineer and considering whether a proposal for 2020 makes sense by the June 21 deadline.

Reports on Other Developments of Interest:

1. Rail Trail Continuation into Concord.  As has been known for some time, the PanAm Corporation has abandoned its rail line in Concord and Boscawen, which represents a continuation of the Northern Rail Trail from its southern terminus.  FNRT-MC has strongly supported the development of a recreational trail on this route.

Negotiations between PanAm and the City of Concord to purchase the right-of-way have recently moved forward and become a matter before the public.  These negotiations have great potential, but a complicated by the number of potential players – the City of Concord, PanAm, the Merrimack River Greenway, the State of New Hampshire, and private corporations interested in development of the corridor.

FNRT-MC will continue to be engaged with this issue, as spearheaded by Jack Shields and Patrice Rasche, who are part of more than one of the
organizations involved.

2. Dartmouth Students See Rail Trail as a Potential Project.  Alex Bernhard reported on a student project from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth in which a kiosk, historical signs and maps are being installed on the Trail in Lebanon.  It would highlight the entire Trail from Lebanon to Boscawen. FNRT-MC is hopeful that such student enthusiasm can proliferate.

Adjournment:  8:56 PM

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, May 18 — Volunteer Trail Clearing in Boscawen, to be reported on at next meeting

June 1 — National Trails Day – FNRT-MC encourages all to “Get On It! (the Trail, that is, and be sure to pick up any debris)

Thursday, June 6:  “Thursday’s Child” dinner at the Coach House Restaurant at the New London Inn.  One half of the net proceeds is donated to FNRT-MC. See you there!

June 20-21-22 — Concord Market Days –at which FNRT-MC and the Friends of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail will jointly staff a booth.  Come!

June 21, 22 — Franklin White Water Celebration

July 4 Celebration in Andover.  Complete, as usual, with FNRT-MC booth and bicycle raffle.  Attend!

September 21 — Second And Seeming More Likely To Be Annual Why Does The Northern Rail Trail End In A Cornfield? Bike Ride

Next Meeting:   Wednesday, June 19, 2019;  7 PM; The Hub, Andover. All are invited!

Respectfully submitted, George Heaton