Fairfield Heritage Trail Association
Minutes April 17, 2006
Call to order at 7:05 with Vice President Jeff Vandervoort running the meeting as Pres. I. Weiss was unable to attend.
Once again there were many new faces in attendance. Attending were Mike Chappell, Dorothy McNeal, Diana Kemmerer, Phil Walker, Mark Squires, Cyndi Squires, Lynne Evans, Martin Folk, Bob Williams, Donald Claffey, Larry Smith, Peggy Portier, Ralph Portier, James Barrett, Claude Ford, Anna Ford, Jim Walter, Jane Walter, Marty Harris, Peg Mahler, and Pat Navin.
Minutes were read and approved by L. Smith and seconded by C. Ford. Motion passed.
President’s report was given by J. Vandervoort for I. Weiss. Ira will be very active the next couple of months with the pending meetings with RTC, MORPC, Regional Planning, and Healthy and Smart Development.
Treasurer’s Report: We have $1,212.00 in checking and $14,601.00 in the Foundation acct. $10,000.00 was disbursed to the City of Lancaster on Apr. 14 to pay for some engineering for Phase II. Motion to accept was made by C. Ford and seconded by P. Walker. Motion passed.
PR report: Phil Walker had spoken with the Eagle Gazette about getting info about the trail cleanup in the paper. Since they posted it a day late, they ran a great story about the bridge on the front page. He is willing to do some PR with help and C. Ford is handling posting meeting dates around town.
Grant Report: No new information on any grants. Things are still pending in Amanda as the search goes on for a grant writer from that area. C. Tilley is still hoping to come up with someone for us. J. Vandervoort is still pursuing the easement with Midwest in hopes to wrap that up soon.
OLD BUSINESS:
Lancaster Trail Update:
Jim and Jane Walter were present and brought pictures and an update on the Bridge. He voiced several concerns:
1) Moving in the wet season and the hope that the weather will co-operate for us.
2) The use of turnbuckles and tension rods to keep the structure strong
3) Leaving window openings to reduce vandalism and add to the view when crossing the bridge
4) Insuring that the roof be supported properly for the move.
He felt that the crew from the parks was doing excellent work and is excited about the progress.
Move date is May 24th as of today.
Many neighbors in the Franklin Ave- Boyd St area were in attendance. They voiced concerns about the proposed section of the trail coming thru their neighborhood.
1. Elimination of some parking
2. Use of platted streets currently unused by the city
3. Dangers posed by heavy traffic currently using proposed routes
4. That Franklin is “emergency street” for squad runs
Potential solutions to concerns:
1. D. Kemmerer suggested using the creek bank on her property as an alternative to the use of a street the runs close to her properties.
2. Members of the FHTA suggested traffic suppression on busy streets and alleys.
3. Members stated that city property was looked at first so there would be minimal impact to landowners, but the city is willing to look at alternatives.
4. That security patrols would be handled by the city police and should help to keep potential trouble at bay; i.e. overgrown areas already existing.
There was much time spent discussing this topic and the group from the neighborhood left with contact info so they can stay in touch as decisions are made.
Other Business:
As the meeting ran long, the only additional topics covered were upcoming events and info needed for the next meeting.
1. Healthy and Smart meeting at Greenfield Twp. Firehouse on April 20th
2. Hocking Adena Trail ride on April 30th
3. FHTA meeting on May 15th
4. SE meeting in Canal Winchester on May 23rd
5. Williams to work on ownership of RR in Amanda southwest of the section currently owned by the city.
Motion made to adjourn by C. Ford and seconded by J. Barrett. Motion passed and meeting adjourned at 9:25pm.