Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - March 13, 2002

The regular monthly meeting of the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association was held Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at the Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio. Meetings are always on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM.

In attendance were Jim Barrett, Donald Claffey, Anna Ford, Claude Ford, Rick Holt, Peggy Mahler, Wayne Paul, Ed Pool, Nathan Pool, David Scheffler, Betty Shaw, Neil Shaw, Larry Smith, Jeff Vandervoort, Marilyn Walker, Phil Walker, Ira Weiss and Bob Williams.

Vice President Jim Barrett opened the meeting at 7:00 PM.

Jim Barrett asked for additions or corrections to the February minutes. The minutes were accepted as read.

Treasurer David Scheffler presented the treasurer's report. He noted that there was $1,550 in the bank and $60 for trail books sold.

President Jeff Vandervoort arrived and took over the meeting from Jim Barrett. He had everyone present introduce themselves.

Old Business

Lancaster City section

Jeff Vandervoort said that two applications had been completed and submitted. The first was to ODNR and second was to the Green Ohio Fund. He met with EDG (engineering firm) along with Dave Scheffler, Terre Vandervoort, and Dave Bogear. A budget is being formulated. The total budget will be over $1 million. The next planning meeting with EDG is scheduled for March 26th at 11:00 a.m., where the contract will be reviewed. They are trying to route Lanreco Park to Main Street, either on the Kroger side or Cherry side. Positive responses from land owners have been received. They may need to build several bridges at $40,000 each. Competitive bids will be requested. Engineering is going on and it looks good for land owner acceptance along river to River Valley Mall.

Most grants have a 20% matching requirement. The first grant match is $32,000 and is coming from the Fairfield Foundation. Neil Shaw noted that they were successful in using donations as a match.

Glimpsher has said "no" to a wetlands project behind River Valley Mall but "yes" to a bike trail. The wetlands project would have been created by the Army Corps of Engineers.

County Trail Update

A meeting with land owners is being held at the Open Door Free Will Baptist Church on March 21 at 7:00 p.m.. Sheriff Phelan or a representative from his office will attend. Jeff Vandervoort will contact the Sheriff's office. Neil Shaw will also attend.

Response letter from ODOT

Bob Williams talked to Sharon Todd at ODOT. Sharon will talk to Randy Comisford. Randy had said that they would not do a tunnel but would widen the bridge. If we had letters of intent from all landowners, we could get a tunnel.

Capital Campaign Committee

The committee is currently on hold as grants are being pursued instead. The first grant match is $32,000 and is coming from the Fairfield Foundation.

Upcoming Presentations

A presentation will be held for the land owners on March 21.

Fox Trail Cleanup

Scheduled for March 24, 1:00 p.m.

New Business

GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure)

Rich Holt said that GOBA is going through Lancaster. There will be a staging on June 17. Phil and Marilyn Welker will check about a pancake breakfast and information booth. Bob Williams moved, Ed Pool seconded, to appoint Phil Walker as representative to GOBA to see what to do. The motion was approved.

Newsletter

Rick Holt asked for ideas for the newsletter. We could put the membership application in the newsletter. He asked for people to send ideas to him via e-mail or to 740/654-5024.

Donation to Church for Meeting Space

Bob Williams moved, Rich Holt seconded, to donate $75 to the Open Door Free Will Baptist Church for use of the church for the March 21 meeting. The motion was passed.

Ohio Trails and Greenways Conference 2002

Peggy Mahler mentioned that the Ohio Trails and Greenways Conference will be held on March 19, 2002 at the Westin Great Southern Hotel in Columbus. FHTA members will try to attend.

Everyone is encouraged to check the Website for next month's agenda. Items may be added by members by emailing Ira at iraweiss@hotmail.com or iweiss@insight.rr.com.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Next meeting, April 10, 7:00 PM, at Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio