Present: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Tom Frantz, Mike Loomis, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Ellsworth Morton, Steve Rayno, Peter Southworth, and guests Ralph Ressler, Pecco Beaufays, and state legislator Tom Schamberg (representative for Wilmot and Sutton).
Mike Loomis informed the Board that he was resigning due to family and work commitments. Many comments from the Board noted the great contributions Mike has made during his three years with FNRT.
Ralph Ressler spoke with the Board about donating and securing a picnic table with a view of Highland Lake.
Treasurer’s Report. Steve shared the ‘12, ‘13, and projected ‘14 expenses for the FNRT. Maintenance goals and annual costs were discussed.
$2,500 set aside for TE project. Alex proposed to go to the Town to settle up an unpaid bill with support from others. Alex moved to request the authority to spend $2,500 to pay this bill, and the Board voted to approve.
Correspondence. Steve reported we received another foundation grant.
Old Business
Action items. Although The Common Man Foundation has turned down our request for financial support, they have invited us to request other possibilities. We all agreed on a truckload of hardpack for building the Trail.
Maintenance: There has been further dumping on the trail in Andover east of Bridge Street.
We discussed our annual costs and goals in maintenance (including mowing). Our long-term issues are vegetation encroachment and potential water damage.
Alex requested that Peter and Tom make an estimate for the 2014 maintenance budget.
Enfield Bridge: The work to preserve the bridge continues.
Extending Trail to Depot Street in Boscawen: We’ve solicited bids for material and work on a section in Grafton County, and plans are in place to build trail in October from Gerrish Station to Depot Street in Boscawen.
Lenny Caron’s request to DOT to use Trail for gravel trucks. Lenny Caron is still negotiating with the Town about gaining permission for his trucks to move his sand and gravel. The FNRT has clearly communicated to Mr. Caron and the Town our opposition to trucking on the Trail, based largely on state laws.
New Business
Possibility of Police Association’s Special Olympics on Rail Trail in September 27, 2014: Pecco announced the plans for a 5K run, a 10K run, and perhaps a half marathon. Goodale’s Bike Store will run bike races, and all events will end at Proctor Academy.
Upcoming Events
Peter Crowell Ride: Saturday, October 12, at 10 AM.
Potluck Supper at Highland Lake Inn: Wednesday, November 20.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 16.
Proposal from Kym and Bob Arena about donations from FNRT referrals. Steve will contact them in regard to a link on our Web site.