Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - October 8, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by President Jeff Vandervoort.  In attendance were Jim Barrett, Donald Claffey, Ed Pool, Dave Scheffler, Larry Smith, Ira Weiss and Bob Williams.

Minutes of the July meeting were moved by Dave Scheffler, seconded by Bob Williams and approved with corrections: Treasurers Report should read plus $1,006 rather than with and $1,500 of the $4,157.77; Hanaway rather than Hannaway Bridge under Covered Bridge; and two chairs rather than to under the pledge ride section. 

Treasurer's Report - currently have $7,700 in checking which includes $3,500 from Fairfield Medical plus $1,006 for around $8,700. Dave made a request to pay for the Stebelton property appraisal. A motion to approve the treasurers report with the appraisal was made by Ed Pool, seconded by Dave Scheffler and approved.

Grants Received - There is nothing new to report. This is the month to hear about the grant money for Phase II.

PR Report - Jeff Vandervoort suggested we get articles for the next newsletter. Jeff will do a paragraph on the city trail and state of projects, Bob Williams will do a paragraph on the covered bridge and Jim Barrett will do a paragraph on the Amanda trail.

Old Business

Lancaster Trail section 

Jeff Vandervoort gave a progress report. The trail is now up to the Cosmetology center. The covered bridge will be moved closer to Thomas Ewing and the move is scheduled for December. John Smolen is working on engineering for the bridge. Jeff passed around a map of how the trail could be routed. Bob Williams said the appraisal was between $23,000 and $24,000 for the bridge using barn appraisal tactics. Dave Scheffler will check to see if the appraisal is sufficient for IRS purposes. The Walters will use part of the deduction to give a grant to FHTA. Bob suggested we do a trail cleanup.

Amanda Trail section

We got a survey back. Jeff Vandervoort's father got more details of deeds on land by the railroad bed. We could approach landowners as the rail bed is divided in half. We need to look at the plat overlaid with land use. We should ask David Burgei at County GIS office for assistance. Jeff Vandervoort will looking into approaching trustees of Paul Childress to ask them about a tax write-off. Jeff gave Bob Williams a map with plat numbers to check the wetland situation and Bob will get to it around November 1st.

Covered Bridge

 See above under Lancaster Trail section.

Interurban

Jeff noted that Terre Vandervoort suggested we meet to walk the interurban from Hooker to the bypass. The group discussed when we could walk the interurban and it was decided that the date would be finalized by e-mail.

New Business

Hobson Letter

Ira Weiss read a letter from Congressman David Hobson stating his feelings about funding trails in the Federal Transportation Bill.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m..

Next meeting will be November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Donatos West.  Jeff Vandervoort will reserve the upstairs room.