Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - July 11, 2001

The regular monthly meeting of the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association was held Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at the Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio. Meetings are always on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.

Co-chair Bob Williams opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.

Ed Pool, secretary, read the minutes of the May 2001 regular meeting.  Minutes are usually posted at the website. Minutes were approved.

David Scheffler, treasurer, reported (via email) a balance of $578.61.   $1000.00 has been placed in the Fairfield Foundation for the Association.  $50.00 was received from the St. Bernadette's Senior Group following David's presentation to them at Rising Park.

Old Business

Case Statement review - Ira Weiss, chairperson

Ed Pool handed everyone a copy of the case statement. No further changes were recommended. The case statement was approved as written with the understanding that it may be subject to change in time.

Response letter from ODOT

Bob Williams will compose a new letter to ODOT, with copies to Tim Schaffer, Jay Hottinger, and Annemarie Kuhn stating that the group does not think routing the proposed trail onto US 22 over the overpass of US 33 is the safest or soundest solution. The group did agree that minimally the trail should have "culverts" under the ramps at this interchange.

Booths

Zane Square Festival- August 17-18, Larry Smith and Phil Walker
Fairfield County Fair- not likely, contact David Fey
Bremen Oktoberfest- September, Ed Pool

Ed Pool reported receiving a scooter from The Cyclist Connection for a raffle. David Fey has tickets that may be used for the drawing. A lead will be followed to see if the group might also receive helmets for the raffle, also.

Capital Campaign Committee- newly formed committee, members are Claude Ford, Jim Barrett, and Bob Williams.

No report.

New Business

ODNR Trail meetings

David Fey reported on the Athens meeting. His thoughts were that he was encouraged and at the same time overwhelmed. He was very impressed that work is moving forward with a comprehensive statewide plan.

Lancaster Trail Section

Larry Smith reported that stone has now been added under the US 22 bridge at Olivedale which extends access along Hunter's Run. He shared pictures of the improvements. Everyone commended Larry on his personal interest in seeing this project through to completion. This will no doubt lead to further improvements in the immediate area.

Amanda-Stoutsville Section

Jim Barrett met with Midwest Fabricating and received a letter of endorsement for the trail. He also obtained deed information for this section of the rail right-of-way which he has forwarded to Jeff Vandervoort. Annemarie Kuhn of Ohio Rails-to-Trails was present and offered further information concerning rail right-of-ways. Further research is needed.

Claude Ford reported meeting with one of the larger landowners in this section. His (the landowner's) main objection was the liability issue, and was not keen on the idea.  He did agree to at least meet with us to discuss his objections.  Jeff Vandervoort sent a copy of a Westlaw search concerning landowner liability, quoting the chapter and verse of the Ohio Revised Code that absolves landowners from liability, except in the case that they entice a person onto their land.

New Business

Ed Pool is in the process of preparing an Endorsements Notebook that would be available when talking to individuals, groups, or government entities. Suggestions were made that the book should also include the case statement, answers to commonly asked questions, and pictures from other trails and from proposed areas.  We also discussed adding references to the Ohio Revised code concerning liability and other issues of concern.

David Fey stated that the Historical Parks Commission hopes to put a levy on the fall ballot. He asked for a formal endorsement from the FHTA.   After some discussion, a motion was made to support the Parks Levy, approved heartily by the group, and a letter will be sent to FCHPC stating our endorsement. MSP

Larry Smith is working on signage for the Fox Trail.  He will work at getting the name of the group and web site posted along the trail.

Phil Walker reported everything is set up for the Fairfield Farm Day on July 21 at Rising Park. He will work with Marilyn Walker and Pam Patula for this event. Raffle tickets will be sold.

Annemarie Kuhn reported that the new Ohio Trails and Greenways 2001 book is out and available for sale. The group asked about helping to sell these. Motion was made to purchase a box of 25 at a cost of $10 each for a total of $250. MSP These are to be sold at $15.00 each.

Ms. Kuhn also reported on State Issue 1 and the potential funding of trails throughout the state. She will be receiving training on grant writing and will offer five regional training sessions for use by groups like FHTA. She will continue to keep the group informed of developments. RTC Ohio has recently moved to 4390 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Phone: 614.428.4320. Check out their website at www.railtrails.org/OH . She also requested that the group consider making a contribution to this new field office as much work needs completed. The building and location hold much promise.

Everyone is encouraged to check the Website for next month's agenda. Items may be added by members by emailing Ed at poolfam@buckeyenet.net.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30.

Next meeting, August 8, 7:00 PM, at Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio

NOTES: (MSP) - Motion Seconded and Passed.