Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - May 8, 2002

The regular monthly meeting of the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association was held Wednesday, May 8, 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, Ed Pool, Rex Shupe, Betty Shaw, Neil Shaw and guest, Larry Smith, Jeff Vandervoort, Marilyn Walker, Ira Weiss and Bob Williams.

President Jeff Vandervoort opened the meeting at 7:08 PM.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the April 10 meeting were approved with one correction. Jim, not Claude, will contact Midwest Fabricating on page 1, paragraph six.

Treasurer's Report

Jim Barrett gave the Treasurer's Report and reported there were no changes from last month.

Newsletter

Rick Holt presented the newsletter for review. Ed Pool will be responsible for getting it printed on 11 x 17 paper. Rick wanted comments from the group by the following week as it is to come out June 1st. Bob Williams noted that he can put it on the Website in PDF format. Bob will send Rick the membership application to be incorporated into the newsletter as an insert. The newsletter can be formatted as a self-mailer. Jeff felt that the newsletter should be sent out after the June meeting. Bob felt that it should be done now as publicity for GOBA.

Old Business

Amanda Section

Claude contacted J.B. Dick who contacted Coach Hinton. Several assemblies will be held. Amanda does not want title to the trail, just an easement when needed to apply for funds. Jim revised the letter to Jennifer Johns. The Village of Amanda could maintain the trail on Midwest Fabricating property and the Boy Scouts could help clean it. It was felt that Dave Fey could loan us a bobcat and Neil Shaw can help us do a trail on a small budget.

Rex Shupe, assistant to Coach Hinton, arrived at 7:55. He said that Ron totally supports the trail efforts. Rex brought a schedule with him containing four times for presentations. Bob Williams related his vision on how we will connect the County. Rex felt the trail would be attractive for tourists, children, seniors, adults and an addition to the new school. Sports teams could use it for training. The schools have several bikers on staff. As farms are being sold for development, Peg noted that the trail is a way to preserve green space.

Jeff said we should start small and work with landowners who favor the trail.

Motion to Expand Case Statement

Bob Williams made a motion, seconded by Jim Barrett, to amend the case statement to include horseback riding. The motion passed. Bob then suggested that we do a press release to the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette discussing the partnership with the Ohio Horseman's Council.

Lancaster City Trail

Jeff Vandervoort reported that they are pursuing a recycled rubber asphalt product for the trail surface. Grants are available for this usage. We need to know where it has be used before and how well it will last. The product is 85% asphalt, 15% rubber. They received a questionnaire from the Clean Ohio Fund, completed the 40 questions and resubmitted it. They also met with the Foundation Foundation for an interview about matching funds. The possibility for receiving funds looks good. OU-L is planning to put in a residency hall and the trail would be lighted there. It was noted that a subdivision wants to tie into the trail per Dean Barrie Watkins. They are doing engineering with EDG. Bob Williams commended Jeff, Terre Vandervoort, Dave Fey, Dave Bogear and Jim Barrett for their work on the trail.

Ohio Trails and Greenways Conference 2002

Peggy Mahler, Neil Shaw, Betty Shaw, Rick Holt, Terre Vandervoort and Ira Weiss attended. Peg's report on the marketing track said that trails save green space, bring in business, can be used for biology classes, and brought ideas to promote the trail better. Rick passed out notes and commented that we need to focus on why the trail is good, getting the health community involved. He noted that all reasons not to have a trail can be dealt with in the design process. Neil noted that benches can be donated.

Responses from ODOT

Bob Williams talked to Sharon Todd at ODOT at the Simon Kenton Trail opening. Sharon Todd said that we could probably put the trail on US 22 right-of-way.

Capital Campaign Committee

The committee is currently on hold as grants are being pursued instead.

Upcoming Presentations

Dave Scheffler and Dave Fey will set up a presentation in June for the Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Fox Trail Cleanup

Larry Smith noted that the trail does not currently need cleaning as it was done by prisoners.

GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure)

GOBA will be in Lancaster Monday, June 17th and in Amanda June 18th. For the 17th, a booth and ice cream fund-raiser at the Fairgrounds were suggested. The cost would be $.25 each for ice cream sandwiches. On the 18th, at the morning rest stop, water bottles could be filled. Volunteers are needed for both days. Marilyn suggested we talk to the police and sheriff. Bob felt that Terre could contact those officials. It was moved by Rick Holt to do the ice cream fund-raiser. The motion passed. An additional meeting was set for the following Wednesday, May 15th, at 7:00 to organize the GOBA activities.

New Business

Other Cleanups...

June 1st - Upper Hocking Cleanup; contact Jeff for details. June 15th - Lower Hocking and Friends of Clear Creek along with the Hocking River Festival; contact Bob Williams for details.

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

A motion to adjourn was made by Bob Williams, seconded by Peg Mahler. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.

Next meeting, June 12, 7:00 PM, at Olivedale Recreation Center, Lancaster, Ohio