Via Zoom, December 13, 2023, 5:30 – 6:38 PM
Condensed from draft minutes
Members present: David Beaufait, Alex Bernhard, Tom Christensen, Barbara
Couturier, Steve Darling, Joe Gorgol, George Heaton, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, Cody
Hussey, Jim Kalinski, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Ricker Miller, Don Moyer, Joe
Olimpio, Patrice Rasche, Tom Rousseau, Peter Southworth
1. Election of the Board
Alex Bernhard led the meeting in Election of the FNRT Board of Directors. Consistent with newly established procedure, the Administration and Finance Committee proposes a slate of Directors to the FNRT Membership at an Annual Meeting. This slate, unanimously voted in for the coming year, includes: Alex Bernhard, Barbara Couturier, Steve Darling, George Heaton, Lindy Heim, Cody Hussey, Jim Kalinski, Myra Mayman, Ricker Miller, Don Moyer, Joe Olimpio, Tom Rousseau, Peter Southworth
2. Appointment of Officers
With the Board elected, Alex Bernhard led the Board’s appointment of officers for the coming year. These are as follows: Co-Presidents, Lindy Heim and Myra Mayman; Vice President, Don Moyer; Treasurer, Tom Rousseau; Secretary, George Heaton,
3. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Tom Rousseau reported on the following topics: the current financial situation, in particular, recent donations; a first look at the 2024 budget, to be considered and voted on in January; the new concept of a “Net Budget,” which balances short-term inflows and outflows to elucidate true financial needs; and investment in money market funds.
The basic news is stellar: FNRT has enough cash on hand — from RTP grants and donations — to complete all the projects to which we are now committed. We make particular note of the long-awaited extension in Boscawen, now securely in our sights and budget.
The rate of donations is exceptional: more than $60,000 this year. We are deeply appreciative to our members, friends, New Hampshire charities and the State of New Hampshire.
The discussion of the “net budget” led to the large question of a fund-raising target for 2024, which in turn connects to our agenda of projects, and our ability to raise funds. These issues were referred to the Administration and Finance Committees for further consideration and report.
With a significant cash balance on hand, it is clear that FNRT would benefit from a new money-management strategy. Tom Rousseau presented money market fund options, which were enthusiastically approved.
4. Administration and Finance Committee Report
Chair Craig Heim presented the idea of an FNRT Fund-Raising Officer, which had been raised at
the “Retreat” in October. The Committee is solidly in favor of this idea, and would be happy for more input from the Board — in particular, the names of candidates!
5. Maintenance Committee Report
At this moment of cold weather and the consequent cessation of construction projects, Chair Don Moyer offered his video of 20 recent projects on the Trail. The video, FNRT 2023 Year in
Review, is accessible at the following site:
1drv.ms/v/s!ArCOuUD9P8nLgc4Y6ISW2jXxI22H6Q?e=bMfF9O
6. Promotion Committee Report
Chair Lindy Heim reported on the ways the Promotion Committee provided outreach to the community in 2023, with plans to do more in the coming year. The committee will offer its booth
presence at festivals such as the fun Boscawen Pumpkin Festival scheduled for next October 5, is working on designing new Trail maps for kiosks, and will be expanding its service to trail users through Ride With GPS on the FNRT.org website.
Beginning in late January, the committee will start a project to survey Trail users, to understand what is liked best about the Trail and how to improve it!
7. Closing Compliment
With great satisfaction that Trail users come to our meetings, the Board would like to quote one’s (Tom Christensen) remark after the Annual Meeting: Friends of the Northern Rail Trail have truely “figured it out” to maintain both a great source of enjoyment for so many AND the organization to keep it growing!
8. Upcoming Events
Wednesday, January 17, 5:30 PM, via Zoom — Meeting of the FNRT Board of Directors. All welcome.