Fairfield Heritage Trail Association

Meeting Minutes - January 14, 2004

Vice President Jim Barrett called the meeting to order at around 7:03 PM.  Attending were Donald Claffey, Rick Holt, Peg Mahler, Jenny O'Hare, Ed Pool, Steve Romine, Larry Smith, Bob Williams and Ira Weiss.

November and December minutes were moved by Bob Williams, seconded by Ed Pool and approved.

Treasurer's Report – As of December 31, 2003 $8,866 is in the bank of which $1,020 is in the Fairfield Foundation. $150 was sent in to move the bridge.

Grants Received - Nothing discussed. 

PR Report - Newsletter will be put on the Web site. A Motion was made by Bob Williams, second by Larry Smith to authorize up to $250 to print 75 color copies of the newsletter. The motion was approved.

Old Business

Chamber of Commerce Dinner

Larry Smith has the frames, table and skirt. Jeff will contact Larry. Ira will e-mail pictures of the trail walk to Bob Williams. Bob Williams will help Jeff, along with Jim. They eat at 8:00 and doors open at 6:00. Jeff will have maps for the display.

Stebelton Property Update

The appraisal is to be done by Dan Singer. Bob is to follow through on this. There has been an official deed transfer to County Parks.

Lancaster Trail section 

At this time, 1.1 mile of trail is paved and complete. We have received $535,000. We will have a new hike in the spring. Monies were sent to alternative transportation. We have used public monies well. A rebuttal should be sent in to the Eagle-Gazette as it is a Gannett publication. We are bringing money back to the county. We will send a letter to the editor of the Eagle-Gazette when someone writes a letter to the editor in response to the Gannett article. The Fox Trail may be paved next spring.

Amanda Trail section

We need a grants writer. Jenny O'Hare can do it. It was noted that Childers has passed away. We are finding current owners to get from Midwest to past the wetlands by Muddy Prairie Run. Bob Williams moved, seconded by Ed Pool, to pay up to $50 for a current plat map for the area from Amanda to Duncan Road. The motion passed.

Covered Bridge

Bob Williams said we will wait for warmer weather and move the bridge in the spring. Donations now cover the move.

New Business

Nomination & election of officers

1.        Jim Barrett was nominated for President by Ed Pool, seconded by Don Claffey

2.        Jeff Vandervoort was nominated for Vice President by Ed Pool, seconded by Peg Mahler

3.        Ira Weiss was nominated for Secretary by Bob Williams

4.        Dave Scheffler was nominated for treasurer by Jim Barrett, seconded by Bob Williams

5.        The slate was approved.

6.        Jeff Vandervoort was nominated as Lancaster Trail Coordinator by Ed Pool, seconded by Bob Williams and approved.

The new officers will review the bylaws. We need to act as a corporation. Bob Williams proposed that we review the bylaws in February.

Bob Williams moved, seconded by Rick Holt to thank Jeff Vandervoort for his two-years as president. The motion passed.

Bob Williams noted that the county got a $210,000 grant and need a match. One person will put up $30,000. We could get an additional match from ODNR, Nature Conservancy, and Hocking River Commission. Bob wants us to see if we have $30,000 or know how to get it. Rick suggested asking Marathon Oil. This is needed by April.

Larry Smith suggested we do a bike and walk on the trail and co-sponsor with senior citizens.

Jim Barrett suggested we look at 4 - 5 things to accomplish for next year and discuss them at the February Meeting.

Rick Holt noted that there is a Step Out For Your Health brochure. Jim will take care of putting us on the brochure.

Bob Williams noted we need a booth at the fairground.

A motion to adjourn was made by Ed Pool.  The formal meeting adjourned and an informal meeting re-convened at Billy Crickets. 

Next meeting will be February 11, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.