Condensed from draft minutes
Board Attendees: Alex Bernhard, Amy Chan, Barbara Couturier, Steve Darling, George Heaton, Cody Hussey, Dustin Ladd, Charles Martin, Ricker Miller, Don Moyer, Myra Mayman, Chris Norris.
Promotion Committee Member: Patrice Rasche
Welcome Guest: Clispe Ndayizeve, Concord
Business Matters
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Dustin Ladd’s report showed healthy current balances, commitments already made for those funds, and the sketch of a 2023 budget which demonstrates the need to raise funds for the Boscawen Extension and other vital future projects.
Our account currently holds approximately $76,000 of general-use funds, and approximately $24,500 set aside for the Boscawen Extension – all committed to several ongoing improvement projects, as well as a reserve. Newly realized needed work – such as the Enfield Lakeside Park Bridge – must thus await the new year and new funds.
Although the yearly budget is not finalized until January, the Board discussed a helpful first-draft that Dustin had constructed. As a matter of format, we agreed that the past year’s budget should remain unchanged as a prior measure against which we construct an “actual” record of expenditures. These in turn feed into the next year’s budget.
Taking this approach, and assessing – at first estimation – the new construction, maintenance, and safety projects that should be undertaken next year, we envision the need for fundraising of approximately $40,000. This is over and above the projects projected for next year for which grant applications are already in the works. In the October meeting, we will address the budget again and strategies for fundraising to match these needs on the Trail.
Committee Reports
Maintenance Committee: The “banner headline” from Chair Don Moyer’s report is the start of physical work on the Boscawen Extension of the Trail. With the signature of a Temporary Use Agreement (TUA) by our contractors and the DOT, all are now hard at work. The first task is to clear trees and brush, for which FNRT has commissioned aerial photography to document this exciting development.
It is worth noting – as Don did – that the budgeted funds for full construction of the Extension – some $24,000 – fall short of the true anticipated cost, which is likely to be over $41,000. We will soon take up a fundraising strategy for this vital project.
Other good news came from the Bureau of Trails, which is undertaking the re-decking of four bridges along the Trail. We thank the Bureau and look forward to smooth riding.
Two maintenance and improvement projects funded by Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – at Plains Road in Andover and Punch Brook in Franklin – are now in full swing, with Ricker Miller overseeing their progress. It was agreed to test the gravel being offered by the contractor to assure that it meets our 3/8-minus specification for best Trail surface quality.
A hoped-for connection in Franklin between the Winnipesaukee River Trail and the Northern Rail Trail continues to be under study by various groups in Franklin. Don Moyer is our liaison to this effort, which we applaud.
As a reminder that work on the Trail is never done, Don Moyer presented photos and other information about two areas of concern: the Mascoma Lake Rope Swing ramp, where serious erosion has occurred near the Trail; and the Enfield Lakeside Park Bridge, which needs re-decking. We hope to address these needs in the future, as resources permit, and urge all to take care.
We continue to monitor the hugely appreciated volunteer hours that go into making the Trail what it is – 317 hours this year! We also report that the number of Trail users is up about 9% over the same period in 2021. About 7,000 people have come out in Lebanon this month, and about 2,000 on the rest of the Trail!
Lastly, we look forward to the completion of a digital map of the Trail that will locate all bridges, mile posts, barriers and other features. This map will vastly simplify and improve our efforts to keep the Trail free of obstruction.
Administration Committee: The Administration Committee, utilizing our newly-established process for replacing resigning Officers, nominated Don Moyer to serve as Vice-President, replacing Alex Bernhard. The Board unanimously voted in favor, and welcomed Don to his enhanced official role.
The Committee set dates for two important September events: 1) the Annual Meeting for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors by Zoom; and 2) an in-person Pot-Luck Supper. These will take place on Tuesday, September 20, and Wednesday, September 21, respectively.
A Zoom link for the Annual Meeting will be sent to FNRT members via the FNRT Newsletter, giving the requisite two-week notice. All vaccinated FNRT members and volunteers and friends are invited to the Pot-Luck Supper on September 21 at 6 PM at the Andover Barn at Highland Lake Inn, East Andover. Come with a dish!
Based on discussions over some period of time, the sense of the Committee is that the time is ripe to initiate a corporate outreach program to the businesses that are proximate to and involved with activities on the Trail. The Board as a whole fully supported this idea, which will be developed soon.
Promotion Committee: Being away from New Hampshire, Chair Lindy Heim made a report by email in advance of the meeting, detailing the various Committee activities, including the Newsletter.
Amy Chan supplemented this report with the wonderful news of the AARP-funded Tri-shaw program’s great success to date. With 20 pilots on board and training sessions this month, young and old are joined in use of the Trail.