FHTA Meeting Minutes – Monday, May 16, 2005

Olivedale – Lower Level

President Ira Weiss called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Total attendance: 9

After review, B. Williams moved to approve the minutes from the 3/21/05 meeting, seconded by R. Holt.  Passed.

Treasurer’s Report

No report from treasurer.  Per J. Vandervoort, a sum of $18,000 from a Community Block Development Grant went to Lockwood/Lanier for engineering work.

Grants: 

Phase III $400,000 grant reported at the FHTA March meeting was highlighted in recent Eagle-Gazette articles.  Some research has begun on a possible Phase IV, connecting the Phase III portion with the Fairgrounds and Rising Park by crossing Memorial Drive, and eventually closing the loop back to Phase I near Thomas Ewing JH.

PR Report:

Recent articles in E-G very positive.   Need to make sure people know that local tax money is not building the trail.  Time for another edition of the FHTA newsletter.

Lancaster Trail

We now have the necessary permit to move and re-construct the covered bridge.  Some fresh bids are being solicited for this important project.   Goal is to see construction beginning in August.

Amanda Trail

J. Vandervoort hopes to be holding discussions soon with Midwest Fabricating legal rep concerning land acquisition or transfer for trail development.  Once this step is accomplished, the grant writing process can proceed.

Columbus Interurban

No changes at this time.

New Business

1. Using maps provided by B. Williams, lengthy discussion was held on extending the Trail to Marten’s Park.  Several options seem possible.  Will need to overcome several easement issues, but this seems very do-able.   Will we have the money for it?

2. TrailLink 2005 Conference – It was duly noted that Ira Weiss has received confirmation from Ohio Rails-to-Trails that he is a recipient of a $500 scholarship to attend this important conference.  After much discussion, B. Williams moved and Claude Ford seconded that FHTA reimburse Ira for any “reasonable costs” not covered by the scholarship.  The motion passed, with the understanding Ira would be pedaling to the conference (in Minnesota) to keep the costs reasonable.   The dollar amount to be determined by the next meeting, depending on the bulk price Ira can negotiate for PowerBars.

3. Sunday, June 26, was selected as a FHTA group ride day, with riders meeting at B. Williams house at 2:00 PM, and embarking on a charity ride from there.  The charity will be the “Free the FHTA” fund.  Monies collected will be used to post bond.

4. MORPC – Ira shared info and web sites to explore when you want the latest cycling Best Practices, provided by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

5. FHTA Website – Needs a serious update and makeover.  All members encouraged to look at the site and provide “suggestions for improvement” at the next chapter meeting,

July 18, 2005.

6. Resignation:  Duly noted by the FHTA that Dave Fey as resigned as head of the Fairfield County Parks system, effective Sept. 1, 2005.

R. Holt moved that the meeting be adjourned, J. Vandervoort seconded, and the motion passed at 8:28 PM.