Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - January 10, 2001

The regular monthly meeting of the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association was held Wednesday, January 10, 2001, at the Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio. Monthly meetings are held at to Olivedale Recreation Center, on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.

Co-chair Bob Williams opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Guests Wes Beery and Bob First of the USDA Resource Development Council were introduced to the group.

Ed Pool, secretary, read the minutes of the December 13, 2000 regular meeting. MSP

David Scheffler, treasurer, reported a balance of approximately $500. He also reminded everyone that $20 individual or $30 household dues for our second year may be paid anytime. T-shirts are still available but present no outstanding bill.

Committee Reports

Membership Anna Ford, Peggy Mahler, Claude Ford, chair

No report.

Research Peggy Mahler, Stephanie Agosta

No report.

Incorporation Bob Williams, Jeff Johnson, chair.

David Scheffler reported the refinements are still being made to the application but document is nearly ready for submitting.

Fundraising-Advertising Peggy Mahler, Pam Patula, Amy Williams, chair.

No report.

Government Relations Ira Weiss, chair.

Ira reported on progress made by Fairfield county government plan. He will continue to monitor and will notify memebership of times and locations of scheduled meetings that would be beneficial for group attendance.

Bob reported on a WOSU-AM telecommunication issues program and the excellent right-of-ways that trails make for these industries which may act as incentives for financial support.

David Sheffler reported that grant application has been divided between Terry, Jim and himself. ODNR has been contacted, as well as Tom Lecrone of the Fairfield Foundation. Tom Tobin of the city engineer's office will be contacted for plot layouts and aerial views. Terri is to receive a resolution from the Parks Department to accept grant monies when awarded. A need for access permits was noted.

Public Relations Dave Rader and Jeff Vandervoort

Jeff reported that a table is reserved for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce meeting on the 20th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the Lancaster High School cafeteria. Fairfield County Township Trustees meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM. David and Bob will work out scheduling of group's presentation to both groups. Bob will obtain a copy of the city plan for Jeff to display. Pam and Jeff will print new brochures. Jeff V. will display his bike as an attention-getter.

Old Business

The pancake breakfast is scheduled to occur on March 21 during the regular breakfast served at Olivedale. Invited guests will be encouraged to be first in line at 7:30 AM. After enjoying their breakfast, the group, limited to 30, will retire to the downstairs meeting room for the program portion of the event.

New Business

Larry Smith reported that the Fox Trail is being cleared of brush and trees at the Cenci Park end which will extend the trail.

Bob First of the Buckeye Hills region (made up of 10 southeastern Ohio counties) spoke briefly about his office's involvement in projects similar to the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association. He will be able to help the group with finding sources of funding and guidance in grant writing.

Wes Beery spoke at length in an entertaining and educational style, basing his talk on his experiences with the Simon Kenton Trail group. Following is a list of high points.

On a big map, mark all the places you want a trail, show the big picture first. Public imput first. Door-to-door approach is best. Follow up visit with a thank you card. Farm Bureau usually opposes, work at removing barriers for such groups. Develop a slogan, be consistent, keep it showing up. Run a slogan contest to involve more people, especially youth. Do a bike giveaway, tie that with membership. Develop a two page case statement, a written document that chronicles why the community can't continue without a trail. This is basis for all funding requests. Know the total cost of the project, then downsize and phase the project. Offer a deed for trail sections to individuals for some amount of money (ex.: $5/foot). Simon Kenton owned their trail for one week and then transferred to county commissioners. Upkeep foundation was established. Must have local fund manager. He will bring Nancy and help if needed. Develop media strategy. Expand website. Develop corporate sponsors. Trails are a sign to corporations that the community is "friendly." Concerns are road crossings (very costly), flood plain issues, utility easements. Youth are a vital and important resource. Ask ODOT for their "trail person" to speak to group, solicit their help upfront. Seek right of first refusal on all existing railroads. Contact environmental bond issue one person to make presentation. T-21 is a big resource.

Ira Weiss, chair, Bob Williams, Jeff Johnson, Ed Pool, and Larry Smith were appointed the case statement committee.

Bring your highlighters and be prepared to mark your trail ideas on a large county map.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45.

Next meeting, Februray 14, 7:00 PM, at Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio

NOTES: (MSP) - Motion Seconded and Passed.