FNRT Board of Directors Meeting (via Zoom)
Summer Non-Vacation: Work on the Trail
Board Attendees: Amy Chan, Barbara Couturier, Steve Darling, George Heaton, Lindy Heim, Cody Hussey, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Don Moyer, Joe Olimpio, Tom Rousseau, Peter Southworth
Committee Members: Patrice Rasche
1. A general shout-out to Don Moyer for successfully processing the FNRT RTP Application, our Special Use Permit, and so much more. Bravo!
2. Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Tom Rousseau’s usual report, along with a special funding request, had been distributed in advance of the meeting. Taken together, these two items show a healthy current checking account and significant donations.
In addition, the report — with Administration Committee advance recommendation — show an imminent need for a funds transfer to cover projects being embarked on in the summer, and RTP grants applied for, that imply significant up-front costs and reserve commitments before the funds are received.
A motion was made to temporarily transfer $5,000 as a special allocation from the emergency reserve in the budget, to cover reserves for RTP projects. As these projects will in turn receive funding from the State, this allocation will soon be reimbursed. The Treasurer’s basic report and his special allocation request were both unanimously approved, with recognition of our sound financial position, and the need to use funds on hand to gain more funding.
3. Promotion Committee. Amy Chan reported on the continuing activities of the Cycling Without Age program. Volunteers come out in great numbers during the summer, and make amazing efforts: for example, transport to an outdoor concert along the river in Lebanon.
Amy is moving forward on an extension of the AARP grant.
We are looking for a volunteer for the Lebanon “Bike Rodeo,” a much appreciated and fun endeavor. Anyone interested, contact Amy, at amyjoywright@nullhotmail.com.
4. Administration Committee. Chair Craig Heim, not present for the meeting, submitted a report of the June 7 meeting. The major action item, voted on in the context of the Treasurer’s Report, was a recommendation to use emergency reserve funds to cover RTP expenses.
Cody Hussey reported no major technology updates, but predicted a report next month on this topic.
The issue of Guidelines for FNRT taking a position on legislative matters was carried into the future.
The idea for a five-year strategic plan, endorsed by the Administration Committee, was approved by the Board. At the same time, the need for a facilitator was recognized, and an approach to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for this purpose was suggested.
5. Maintenance Committee. The many vitally important activities of FNRT’s energetic maintenance troupe are listed below:
Informative Kiosks. The “kiosk project,” well-advanced by Joe Olimpio, has gotten quotes for necessary materials. As the prospect of grants to finance the work looks promising, the project will be postponed while this is pursued.
Recreational Trails Program grants. It is with great satisfaction that we will proceed with construction based on our 2023 RTP grant of $79,000. During the second/third week of July, projects will begin to improve the Trail surface near Potato Road, in Enfield, and under the Route 4 overpass in Grafton.
The RTP 2024 grant application has been submitted for work on the Boscawen Extension of the Trail and a decision is expected in the fall.
An Interpretive Historical Plaque about the Northern Railroad is almost ready to be installed in Danbury, in connection with the rebuilding of the Route 4 Bridge. Don Moyer and George Heaton are meeting with the Danbury Selectboard to choose a location.
Gate Painting of the Trail’s 78 gates will be underwritten by the State of New Hampshire’s willingness to provide materials. FNRT will provide the labor. The Mt. Cardigan Snowmobile Club has eagerly pitched in with a promise to paint 19 gates in their area.
The NH Bureau of Trail is redecking bridges in Boscawen and Andover. In addition, there will be tree removal and erosion remediation at an area on Mascoma Lake that has been used, informally, for recreation for some years. In spite of this, the State’s “duty of care” to eliminate such hazards is clear.
At Beaver Point on Mascoma Lake, an abandoned property will be razed, much improving that area for recreation.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has offered five picnic tables to FNRT. We happily accept and are considering where to use them.
179 Volunteer Hours this year have been counted to date. We look forward to many more.
6. Upcoming Events:
Board of Directors Meeting, Wednesday, July 19, 5 PM, via Zoom.
“Wine and Social,” August 16, for FNRT Directors and Guests, at Wine on Main, in Concord.
FNRT Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper, September 20, Highland Lake Inn, East Andover. All friends of the Trail are invited.