tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16559718838221731392023-11-16T10:31:35.414-08:00Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in New HampshireUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-68084438931205636152017-02-18T13:16:00.001-08:002017-02-18T13:16:19.744-08:00February 15, 2017 Meeting Minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-5187124105061343128contentTable" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>FNRT-MC, Draft Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>February 15, 2017</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Andover Fire House, Andover</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Yet another snowstorm did not deter the Board from conducting a meeting that approved important actions for the Trail!</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Steve Darling, Heather Deardorff, Tom Frantz, George Heaton, Lindy Heim, Chris Norris,</span>Nita Tomaszewski<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Ricker Miller, and Special Guest Marty Parichand of Outdoor New England</span><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Lindy Heim called the meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_390277695" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:10 PM</span></span>; adjourned <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_390277696" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:02</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>The February meeting had two major foci. First, a number of business matters that had been previewed in January were voted into action. Second, the Board was pleased to receive a presentation from Marty Parichand of Outdoor New England about plans for the Franklin Falls Whitewater Park and Outdoor Center.</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters:</strong></em></span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of the January and February meetings will be presented for approval at the March meeting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Treasurer’s</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Report</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> covered both the current financial status of FNRT-MC, and a proposed budget for 2017. As to the former, we happily note that funds now on hand should be sufficient to cover the cost of all the Trail maintenance projects discussed below.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">As to the budget offered by Treasurer Steve Darling for 2017, this was </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">unanimously accepted.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Trail Maintenance Projects </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">have now become a time-critical item, given the pressing need to receive authorization, obtain any necessary State approvals, let contracts, and begin work in the early spring. A list of seven potential projects, prepared by Alex Bernhard, focused the discussion. These included – listed in the priority order that was the sense of the meeting: three bridge repair projects in Andover, vegetation removal in Franklin, repairing trail surface in E. Andover, Lawrence Street culvert repair in Andover, and various ditching and culvert cleaning needs along the length of the Trail.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">For all of these projects, contractors have been identified, and bids or estimates submitted. It was thus possible to arrive at a total budget.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">All of the projects were therefore authorized by the Board, subject to the proviso that if any unforeseen deviations from current cost estimates arose, the Board would be informed and would re-consider the matter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In each instance, a project manager has been designated from the Board.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The project managers will report on progress at the next meeting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Trail Signage</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Heather Deardorff presented the results of her significant work – along with Ed Hiller – on the Trail signage initiative. The signage anticipated would have two types: historic interpretive signs; and orientation signs. Working with a graphic artist, Heather offered draft signs for consideration, which were approved in general terms.</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Plans are also underway for ways to best display the new signage, and to install kiosks, at strategic points on the Trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Heather will, before the next meeting, offer a fuller signage proposal for consideration at the next meeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The consensus of the meeting was that the current FNRT-MC logo should be preserved. And that consistency of the logo and signs between Merrimack and Grafton Counties is both highly desirable and very feasible, given the coordination to date between the two counties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Presentation on Franklin Falls Whitewater Park and Outdoor Center</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The “special guest” of the meeting was Marty Parichand, of Outdoor New England. Marty is spearheading an initiative to transform the City of Franklin and its waterfront into a Whitewater Park and Outdoor Center.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Marty made a fascinating presentation on the history of Franklin as a manufacturing center, of the current issues it faces from the decline of that industry, and of its future potential.</span><br />
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="m_-5187124105061343128__GoBack" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"></a><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The “envisioning” that Marty presented has Franklin at the center of a Central New Hampshire nexus for outdoor recreation, which would include biking/hiking/snowmobile trails, and a whitewater park. While the possibilities are vibrant, there are still many hurdles to be overcome, among them: river debris and pollution, infrastructure development, and funding.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">From the point of view of FNRT-MC, we applaud, and fully support, the efforts to use recreational facilities as an engine of economic growth in our region.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The Board was most appreciative for this presentation.</span><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Next Meeting:</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_390277697" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 15, 2017</span></span>, First Congregational Church, 19 North Wilmot Road</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully Submitted, George </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Heaton</strong></em></span></li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-67036748707003598032017-01-27T07:38:00.002-08:002017-01-27T07:39:02.536-08:00January 18, 2017 meeting minutes<div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>FNRT-MC, Draft Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>January 18, 2017</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Danbury Community Center, Danbury</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Heather Deardorff, George Heaton, </span>Nita Tomaszewski</div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">: Ricker Miller, Dick Mackay and Ken Warren (Grafton County Trail representatives)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Vice-President Alex Bernhard called the meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_682774494" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:05 PM</span></span>; adjourned <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_682774495" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:41</span></span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>The January meeting took place after a three-month hiatus. In addition to various business matters, the majority of the meeting was absorbed with presentations of plans and projects for 2017, to be considered further and voted on at the February meeting.</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters:</strong></em></span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Chris Norris, Director. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Chris Norris was unanimously approved as a new member of the Board of Directors of FNRT-MC. Although Chris has been a stalwart contributor to the Trail for years, it is good to welcome him to this new role.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"> of the October Meeting were unanimously approved without alteration.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Treasurer’s</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Report</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"> focused on the presentation of a draft Budget for 2017. Based on discussion at the meeting, Steve Darling will offer a revised budget for Board approval at the February meeting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Correspondence</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"> received since the last meeting included the appointment of Steve Rayno to the position of “Trailmaster.” As other individuals have expressed interest in such a position as a way of supporting the Trail, the Board will consider this possibility at the February meeting.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Plans and Projects For 2017:</strong></em></span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Upgrade Website to WordPress</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">. With general agreement that the FNRT-MC website would be much improved by changing to WordPress, Steve Darling was authorized to offer Heather Turner -- who has already been working at the project -- $300 to cover expenses and express thanks for completing this effort.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Trail Signage</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">. Prior to the meeting, Heather Deardorff met with </span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Dick Mackay and Ken Warren</span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">, representatives from the Grafton County Trail, to consider upgrading and coordination of signage along the entire Northern Rail Trail, in both Merrimack and Grafton counties.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Various signage issues are being addressed. Ken Warren presented a mock-up of a new logo for the entire Trail. This design will be considered at the February meeting. Heather Deardorff presented a draft of a historic “Northern Rail Trail” sign for use at kiosks and other strategic locations. Milepost markers were also discussed; as well as “URHere” markers with distances, and access via smartphones.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Heather Deardorff, lead Board member for signage projects, was authorized to expend $850 to procure 5 “Historic” signs from the graphic designer currently involved in the project, to be placed along the Trail. Final copy for these signs will be discussed at the February meeting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Maintenance Projects. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Alex Bernhard presented a list of six possible maintenance projects for 2017. Discussion of these possibilities yielded a general consensus that all 6 of the projects are worthwhile, and should be undertaken. A definitive vote on all proposed maintenance projects will be taken at the February meeting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">One of the projects – vegetation removal in Franklin – has already seen considerable planning, and was already covered in prior budgeting. Nita </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tomaszewski agreed to take responsibility for moving this forward now, as timely coordination is necessary with the Trail’s contractor, Prescott Towle, as well as the State.<br /><br />Another project – repairing the Trail surface in E. Andover – has already gotten underway through the efforts of Ricker Miller. Ricker will move this forward by contacting contractors and/or potential donors of services, and Alex Bernhard will provide advice on any State “alteration of terrain” permits that may be needed.<br /><br />Lastly, Lindy Heim (not in attendance) subsequently reminded the Board of the need for maintenance and lighting improvements on the Lawrence St. Bridge. This will also be considered in February.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Other Actions and Developments of Note:</strong></span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Signage. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Jack Shields has procured – with Board approval via email –replacement milepost signs to mark the places of the two original mileposts that are missing from the Trail. In addition, the City of Concord has completed installation of signs with directions to the Trailhead. Lastly, the Board approved a motion for Jack to expend $150 for an information kiosk in Boscawen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">The Board approved a Motion of Appreciation to Jack for his work on these projects.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>PanAm Abandonment of Right-of-Way. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">Alex Bernhard reported on the recent formal filing to the Surface Transportation Board for an “abandonment of service” by PanAm Railways of 6.1 miles of right-of-way in Concord and Boscawen on the west side of the Merrimack River. This action goes one step farther toward the goal of an extension of the Rail Trail into Concord. Other important steps yet to be taken include the expected approval of the “abandonment,” and a hoped-for purchase of the right-of-way by the State.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Mascoma River Greenway</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">. The representatives from Grafton Country reported on plans for an extension of the Trail at its northern end, which will include rail and tie removal and surfacing, expected to begin in the summer of 2017.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Letter re “Missing” Mileposts</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;">. Both in discussion and in subsequent email communication, the Board approved the submission of a letter to the NH Trails Bureau requesting assistance in an effort to determine ownership of two “missing” mileposts currently installed at the residence of Roger Sanborn in Boscawen.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><strong>Next Meeting:</strong></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_682774496" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">February 15, 2017</span></span>, Andover Fire House, Andover. NOTE: this is a change from previously published venue in Boscawen.</span><br /> </li>
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<span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully Submitted, George </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: "palatino" , serif;"><em><strong>Heaton</strong></em></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-65724661856440704002016-08-05T04:34:00.003-07:002016-08-05T04:34:55.121-07:00July Meeting Minutes 2016<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>FNRT-MC, Draft Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>July 20, 2016</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Danbury Community Center, Danbury</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Tom Frantz, George Heaton, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Jack Shields, </span>Nita Tomaszewski<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Ed Hiller, Mary Hiller, Linda Howes, Marilyn LaPierre, Norm LaPierre, Steve Robinson, John Schlosser, Prescott Towle</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Myra Mayman called the meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595729" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:02 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595730" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:48 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>The July meeting was noteworthy for a great deal of good news; a wide-ranging discussion, with “to-do” list; and a few items of business</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong><br /></strong></em></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Good News:</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>RTP Grant Applications</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Two applications for RTP funding have been submitted to the State of New Hampshire by FNRT-MC. These cover: the Depot Street bridge in Franklin, and ditching and culvert work at various sites, with proposed budgets of $10,000 and $17,000. A decision from the state is expected in November, with a year to spend the funds. Given new proposal documentation requirements from the Federal government (which will extend to contractors), a great amount of additional effort was required for this proposal. Nita Tomaszewski did yeoperson’s work on this – and received a round of applause.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Signage in Concord/Boscawen</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. For about two years, FNRT-MC has urged signage between Concord and Boscawen to indicate the direction to the Trail. These efforts are now bearing fruit. The City of Concord General Services Department has agreed to install four such signs. FNRT-MC will underwrite the cost: approximately $320. Jack Shields did yeoperson’s work on this – and received a round of applause.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="m_8883542601851991108__GoBack" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"></a><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Summer Maintenance and Improvement Projects</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Given funding from the Brown foundation and donations, the Board is in a position to commission maintenance and improvement projects this summer and fall, as good weather lasts. This work may include permanent railings on the Depot Street bridge in Franklin, ditching in East Andover, and milepost signage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">4.<em><strong> Milepost Marker Signage</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. The acquisition, installation and upkeep of authentic milepost markers has been a gratifying improvement to the Trail. In the next phase, explanatory signage will be developed. Grant funds have been obtained, through which a designer has been commissioned to make a proposal to the association. Ed Hiller’s continuing work on this project continues to be greatly appreciated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">5. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>FHWA Ruling Against ATVs</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. For some time, the use of ATVs on rail trails has been a controversial issue. During the past year, the City of Claremont requested a waiver from US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rules that exclude such vehicles from trails purchased or built with Federal Transportation Enhancement funds for non-motorized vehicles. The State of New Hampshire endorsed this request to FHWA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In mid-July, FHWA issued its opinion on the matter, ruling that ATVs are not an authorized use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Other actions deny Trail use to ATVs with mushers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">As FNRT-MC has consistently taken a position against the use of ATVs on Rail Trails, this news was greeted with relief and happiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">6. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Trail Mowing</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. As of July 20, the Trail had been mowed southward from the Grafton Store to the gate at the Danbury Town Store. This work-in-progress aimed for immediate conclusion, with a fully mowed Trail. And it helps with ticks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">7. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Future Expansion of Rail Trail into Concord</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. PanAm, the owner of the rail right-of-way in Concord and Boscawen, has recently filed for an “abandonment of service” on this area. Its action creates the happy possibility of an extension of the Rail Trail into Downtown Concord. Before this could occur, a sale would have to be effected -- likely to the State of New Hampshire or the City of Concord. And responsibility for the trail established – likely involving the Friends of the Merrimack River Greenway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Discussion and To-Do’s:</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Vegetation Control Project. </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Four months after FNRT-MC’s application to the State Trails Bureau for a limited, experimental herbicide application in a section of the Trail in Franklin, there has been no reply from the State, nor action taken by the association. It was unanimously agreed that Jack Shield should try to meet with State officials to understand the situation and resolve the matter if possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">2. <em><strong>Milepost Ownership and Acquisition</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. As mentioned above, the acquisition of authentic milepost markers for the Trail has absorbed considerable effort over the last few years – and has been a great success. However, some of the original posts are missing, and the ownership and use of some is controversial.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tom Frantz will take up the issue of ownership with the State Attorney General.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Ed Hiller will move forward with removal, repair and installation of three posts temporarily stored at the Veterans Cemetery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Usage Profile for Trail</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Although the Trail is well and happily used, the Board has come to realize that it lacks any systematic knowledge of the amount, types, and rates of usage. It was agreed that information of this type would be useful in developing a strategy to manage and improve the Trail for the benefit of citizens and our region. One recent development is the placement by Craig Tufts of the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission of a non-photographic counter on the Trail near the Boscawen end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tom Frantz and Charles Martin have begun plans for trail counts using various means, including cameras. From informal discussion with the State AG, it appears that such would be permissible, as there is no expectation of privacy on the Trail. But policies by FNRT-MC would still have to be developed as to the use and disposal of such information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">More discussion will ensue on this issue in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">4. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Historical Signage and Explanation of Trail</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Given the origins of the railroad and associated development in the mid-19</span><sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> century, the Northern Rail Trail is today a kind of “living museum.” The Board feels that this legacy should be brought to users of the Trail, and that through this, their experience would be greatly enhanced. Other trails and localities have begun such signage – notably the Allegheny Passage, the Franklin Historical Society, and the Town of Canaan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The Board agreed that we should embark on a consideration of how to bring forward the legacy of the Trail, and we will continue discussion on this matter in the future. The designer retained by Ed Hiller will be apprised of this intention and will factor it into his proposal. FNRT-MC will also seek cooperation with the “Friends Group” in Grafton County.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">5. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Potential Bridge Repair, and Liability Issues</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. The condition of the many bridges on the Trail is of special concern to all who use it. Nevertheless, there is currently no systematic inventory of the Trail’s bridges and their condition. Alex Bernhard and Chris Norris will undertake such an inventory and assessment in the near future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">With this analysis as a baseline, the Board anticipates further discussion of bridge maintenance. In embarking on any future bridge repair, many factors need to be taken into account, including snow mobile clubs’ past responsibility for this function, the insurance situation of the Board, and the position of the State of New Hampshire as to liability once repairs are undertaken. Investigations to better inform the Board on these questions will be undertaken by various Board members, and will receive future discussion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">6. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Port-a-Potty in Boscawen</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. The lack of sanitary facilities at the beginning of the Trail in Boscawen can become frustrating and unhealthy. The Board happily agreed to Linda Howes’ willingness to make a proposal to address this lack.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Draft</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of the June, 2016 meeting were approved. It was further agreed that financial information pertaining to FNRT-MC would be presented is a summary, structured form, calculated to inform the public of the FNRT-MC plans, activities and resources.</span><br /> </li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Future Dates of Note:</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595731" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 7</span></span>, Andover Old Time Fair – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595732" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">4th of July</span></span> Bicycle Raffle winner announced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595733" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 22</span></span> – “Dough Raiser” at Pizzeria Uno in Concord – mention FNRT-MC to gain contribution</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595734" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 1</span></span> – Rail Trail Rally of Special Olympics</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Next Meeting: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1997595735" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 17</span></span>, Franklin Regional Hospital</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully Submitted, George </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Heaton</strong></em></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-2689476915179014412016-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:002016-07-01T06:14:06.921-07:00June meeting minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>FNRT-MC, Draft Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>June 15, 2016</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Merrimack County Nursing Home, Boscawen</strong></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> Tom Frantz, George Heaton, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Peter Southworth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guest</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Carla Heaton</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Myra Mayman called the meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561787" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:05 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561788" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:43 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The meeting covered: 1) business matters and reports on actions taken; 2) status report and discussion of matters currently in progress; 3) the future agenda, near and long-term.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters and Reports:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Draft</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of the May, 2016 meeting were approved with one amendation: the indication that signs will be posted in various places along the Trail if and when a herbicide is used for vegetation control.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Treasurer’s report</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> brought the good news of significant new receipts from grant applications – the Brown Foundation ($10,000) and the NH Charitable Foundation ($4000) – as well as continuing donations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Total assets as of 6/15/16 are $57,305, approximately $20,000 higher than a month ago. It should be noted that some of these funds -- i.e. those from grant applications – are restricted for use in trail maintenance and repair.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">A budgetary spread sheet that compared budgeted amounts with expenditures to date was reviewed. This very helpful device will continue to be used.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<ol start="3">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In the context of </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Community Relations</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">, the FNRT-MC received an award at the Andover Middle School Graduation, honoring the Trail’s contribution to the community and its use for educational purposes. Charles Martin was present to accept the award.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Correspondence has come in from members of the community concerned about the application of herbicides on the Trail. All such letters have been answered, and an invitation extended to these concerned citizens to attend Board meetings.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Matters Currently in Process:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Vegetation Control</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The project for the experimental application of the herbicide Rodeo to a 6-mile section of the Trail in Franklin is ready to proceed, once the State of New Hampshire Trails Bureau gives approval. The Department of Agriculture has already given approval, and the Trails Bureau has recently been re-contacted by the Board (5/20/16) and the licensed applicator for the job (6/6/16) requesting final action.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Although the Board previously voted unanimously to undertake the herbicide application, it continues to review this decision in light of citizen input and new scientific knowledge.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">A few letters have come in from interested citizens objecting to herbicide application. In each case, these letters have been answered with an explanation of the Board’s decision, and an invitation to attend a Board meeting so that further discussion is possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">An important new report from the WHO (World Health Organization) and FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization) on “pesticide residues” has come to the attention of the Board. This report, issued on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561789" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 16</span></span>, again surveys the literature on glyphosates, and documents the new consensus from a UN meeting earlier in the month. It somewhat revises prior opinion, and concludes that glyphosates are “unlikely” to create risks of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity and toxicity<span style="font-size: x-small;">. (See </span></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">JOINT FAO/WHO MEETING ON PESTICIDE RESIDUES, Geneva, 9–13 May 2016 SUMMARY REPORT, </span></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Issued <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561790" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">16 May</span></span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em> 2016</em></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>.)</em></span></span><br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>RTP (Recreational Trails Program) Grant Application</strong></em></span><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Two FNRT-MC grant applications were recently submitted to the Trails Bureau under the Recreational Trails Program for funds to maintain/repair the Trail. Nita Tomaszewski prepared the application, with assistance from Chris Norris and Alex Bernhard and supporting letters from Towns and merchants along the Trail.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The proposal this year utilized a new approach from the past, which would rely on contracts awarded from bids to perform much of the work, rather than volunteers. The State’s decision on the applications is not expected until November, which may mean that any funds awarded would not be spent until Spring 2017.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<ol start="3">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Mowing</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Mowing will begin on</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> the Trail soon; probably early July. Peter Southworth has made arrangements with John Schoeller to do this at the same cost as last year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The mowing will extend from the point of the Grafton Country Store (about two miles north of the Danbury Town Line) to the end of the Trail in S. Boscawen – approximately 36 miles. Arrangements are being made by Peter Southworth to assist John Schoeller in the opening of gates along the Trail.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Items for Future Action</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In the realm of </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Technology</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">, the much-appreciated voluntary maintenance of the FNRT-MC website by Heather Turner is being re-thought. Heather has recommended conversion to WordPress, which is a more modern format that would allow for self-administration of the site. Peter Southworth will discuss the matter further with Heather and report back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The possibility of </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Trail Counts</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">, to determine usage patterns and respond to them, has long been a goal of the Board. Various possibilities were discussed, including the use of a camera. As photographs of Trail users may raise privacy concerns, Tom Frantz has volunteered to get advice from the New Hampshire Attorney General on this question. The matter will be considered again in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The need for a </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Trail Promotion Strategy</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> was raised. While there was general agreement that FNRT-MC has proceeded through its “establishment phase” and is well involved with a “maintenance agenda,” what a new phase of Trail Promotion would consist of was less clear. The use of “Strava,” a mobile website, was discussed, as was a project for orienting signage along the Trail. These matters will be continued in future discussion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Summer Projects </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">of Trail improvement and maintenance may be undertaken with FNRT-MC’s own funds, as the State RTP grant, if obtained, will not be available until fall. Alex Bernhard will make proposals at the next meeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">It was noted that the City of Franklin had provided assistance in </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>ditching operations </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">in Franklin. Steve Rayno was instrumental in obtaining this assistance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Three </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Future Dates</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> should be noted: 1) the FNRT-MC tent at the Andover 4</span><sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of July celebration; 2) a </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>“Dough Raiser”</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> at the Concord Pizzeria Uno on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561791" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Aug 22</span></span>, during which a percentage of all checks – when FNRT-MC is mentioned – will be donated to the organization; 3) the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561792" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 1</span></span> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Rail Trail</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> Ra</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>lly and Special Olympics</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">, for which planning is underway.</span><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">N</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>ote next meeting: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561793" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 20</span></span>, Danbury Community Center, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_218561794" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7 PM</span></span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-9030119072583920662016-05-30T08:37:00.001-07:002016-05-30T08:37:02.945-07:00May 18 meeting minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>May 18, 2016</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>First Congregational Church, Wilmot</strong></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> George Heaton, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Lindy Heim, Craig Heim, Charles Martin, Myra Mayman, Jack Shields</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Marion Allen, Charles Cautley, Linda Howes, Ralph Jesseman, Tom Schamberg, Prescott Towle</span><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Lindy Heim called meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273598" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:03 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273599" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:40 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The meeting covered: 1) business matters and reports; 2) discussion and resolution of the issue of vegetation control on a small section of the trail in Franklin; 3) authority and plans to proceed with other action items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters and Reports:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Draft</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of the April 20, 2016 meeting were approved without alteration.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Treasurer’s report</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> brought the good news of significant donations in April and May, as a result of the fundraising campaign. These ran at a higher rate than last year, and included a number of employer-matching grants, which are appreciated and encouraged for the future. Total donations for the two months amounted to $5661.90. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">While funds from the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273600" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday’s</span></span> Child event on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273601" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">April 14</span></span> have not yet been received, the large turnout that evening bodes well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The current balance shows $41,471.63 in unrestricted funds, to be used for the benefit of the Trail.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">As presented in Alex Bernhard’s report, preparation of the </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Recreational Trails Program Grant Application </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">continues, in order to meet the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273602" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 3</span></span> deadline. Nita </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tomaszewski</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> is assembling the application materials, including letters of support that have been gained from the towns along the Trail as well as merchants. The exact specification of projects and requested amounts is being finalized.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Ralph Jesseman presented a report on the </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Bench</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Project</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. We happily anticipate the installation of two benches along the Trail in Andover (near Valley Road in E. Andover, and near the Continental Machine facility) by early June.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Safety</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Repairs</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> on the Depot Street Bridge in Franklin have been completed quickly and well -- by Steve Rayno, Chris Norris and Rodney Judkins -- with photos submitted for the record.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>FNRT-MC’s </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">presence</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">at</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong> Community Events</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> occurred at the bike tune-up/swap in Andover, with Prescott Towle and Lindy Heim staffing a tent. It is hoped that this presence can be annual.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">A </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Grant</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Application</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> for permanent repairs to the Depot St. Bridge has been made to the Brown Foundation by Craig Heim.</span></li>
</ol>
<br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Vegetation Control</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Over the past several months, the issue of vegetation control on a section of the Trail in Franklin has been researched and discussed in detail. This 6-mile section of the Trail is in danger of serious encroachment from invasive species and other growth, and the Board has therefore been considering the merits of an experimental application of the herbicide Rodeo, in contract with Prescott Towle, a licensed professional applicator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In preparation for a decision by the Board, various members have contacted scientific experts and public officials in New Hampshire, reviewed the scientific literature, and solicited and listened to advice from concerned citizens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Jack Shields presented a report on his discussion with the invasive species expert for the State of New Hampshire, in which alternative vegetation control methods were assessed. This research resulted in the recommendation that there were “no feasible alternative effective methods” to a limited herbicide application.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Prescott Towle again presented a detailed application plan, to take place on one day, via liquid application in accordance with all applicable regulations and best practices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Linda Howes provided citizen input about the potential risks of glyphosate (a principal ingredient in the herbicide), as well as the need for signing to alert residents to the application process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">It should be – and was -- noted that all pesticide applications are subject to approval by the State of New Hampshire, not the Board alone. At this meeting, formal approval from the Department of Agriculture was received as incoming correspondence. It was also reported that the Trails Bureau has been apprised of this action and is likely to issue its opinion soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">As a result of the above, the Board voted unanimously to take the following actions: 1) authorize Prescott Towle to undertake the vegetation control project in the limited 6-mile section in Franklin, if and when approval from the Trails Bureau is received; 2) post signs – at the beginning and end of the 6-mile stretch -- informing Trail users of the operation on the day it occurs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Other Action Items</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The expenditure of $100 was authorized to allow Steve Rayno to sandblast graffiti from the granite foundation of a bridge on the Trail in Franklin. Given that the bridge is an original railroad structure, the sandblasting expenditure is preferred to painting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The decision was taken not to pay $50 for an advertisement in the Andover 4</span><sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of July celebration program.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Approval was given for Jack Shields to pursue actions to acquire two original historic mileposts, now in the possession of Mr. Sanborn in Boscawen.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
The FNRT-MC board of directors would like to invite the FNRT-MC membership and all who love the Northern Rail Trail to venture out on the trail <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273603" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 6th</span></span> to celebrate National Trails Day. It is a lovely time of year to enjoy the beauty and diverse scenery the rail trail has to offer. And, in the spirit of maintaining all those wonderful views, we invite you to grab a bag to take with you for trail clean-up.<br />
Our season opener Spring Clean-up effort was fabulous, so many people pitched in. Thank you!<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">N</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>ote next meeting: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_875273604" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 15</span></span>, Boscawen – located to be determined</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-79071572151622355942016-05-08T17:24:00.001-07:002016-05-08T17:24:29.030-07:00April 20 meeting minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-top: 10px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Minutes of Meeting</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>April 20, 2016</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Andover Fire House</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Steve Darling</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> Tom Frantz, George Heaton, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Lindy Heim, Craig Heim, Nita Tomaszewski</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Janice Boudreau, Linda Howes, Ralph Jesseman, and Prescott Towle</span><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Lindy Heim called meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776492" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:03 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776493" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:26 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The meeting’s discussion had two major foci: 1) various business matters and reports; 2) discussion of ongoing action items, to be addressed and/or undertaken in the immediate future and/or at the next meeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters and Reports:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>minutes</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> of the March 16, 2016 meeting were approved without alteration.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Treasurer’s report</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> shows a current balance of $38,416.44 in unrestricted funds, to be used for the benefit of the Trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Recent sources of income include $1336 in donations since the last meeting, as well as funds anticipated from the successful <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776494" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday’s</span></span> Child benefit dinner on April 14 at the New London Inn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Since last meeting, a Federal tax report has been filed (4/8/16), as well as the Annual Report to the State of New Hampshire, and the certification fee for charitable organizations. (3/29/16).</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Recreational Trails Program Grant Application </strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">has recently been officially published by the State of New Hampshire. Applications are due <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776495" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 3</span></span>, with the anticipation of award decisions by late August.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">An orientation meeting for prospective applicants is being held in Concord during the week of April 25. Nita </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tomaszewski will attend, and has been in contact with Alexis Rudko of the Trails Bureau, coordinator for the application process.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Community events</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> will occur in Andover and Franklin on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776496" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 14</span></span>: a bike tune-up/swap in Andover; and Franklin Community Day. Prescott Towle will staff a FNRT-MC tent at the Andover event. Although no one is available for the Franklin event, it was noted for possible participation next year.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Ongoing Action Agenda</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Vegetation Control</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. The issue of vegetation control on the Trail, with particular focus on areas in Franklin, has been the subject of considerable discussion in prior meetings. At this meeting, Prescott Towle was again present to answer questions about the possibility of spraying. And it was noted that the Trails Bureau would need to approve any action in this regard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">After a wide airing of views, it was decided to postpone further consideration of vegetation control until the next meeting, when more information will be available. At that point, a report will be available from the meeting with the New Hampshire Invasive Species Coordinator, Douglas Cygan, who will assess the Trail and give recommendations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">[N.B.: A meeting of Doug Cygan with Jack Shields, FNRT-MC Director, had actually taken place before the meeting. However, Jack was unable to report to the Board due to unforeseen circumstances.]</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Bench Project</strong></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">. Ralph Jesseman and Janice Boudreau attended the meeting to report on progress to date on the installation of benches along the trail, and what will be the next steps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Two Andover sites have been selected as appropriate for benches, and their GPS coordinates forwarded to Alex Bernhard for further action and contact with the Trails Bureau: 1) about 300’ from Valley Road Bridge; 2) about 220’ past the Continental Machine facility.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Ralph Jesseman will pay for and install these two benches. It is hoped that the documentation of 501(c)(3) status of the FNRT-MC will result in materials discounts at suppliers such as Lowe’s.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Safety Repair of Depot Street Bridge, Franklin</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Having been alerted to the deterioration of railings on the Depot St. Bridge in Franklin, various Board members inspected the site. Their assessment, coupled with a proposal by Chris Norris and Steve Rayno for repair, led the Board to conclude that action should be taken as soon as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">A motion was then made and unanimously approved to authorize the expenditure of up to $300 by Chris Norris to implement repairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The authorization of this expenditure prompted discussion about the need for a process by which small expenditures could be made expeditiously without full Board discussion and approval, and their consequent delay. Such a process will be considered at the next meeting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">It is understood that the repairs now to be made will not meet Federal design standards or be permanent, but that future maintenance grants, if awarded, should be used to upgrade this site.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><strong>Spring Clean-Up of Trail</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Given that snow-cover has left the Trail, the moment to clean debris is at hand, before spring vegetation obscures it. Various Board members volunteered to undertake Trail cleanup, and enlist any others who would like to help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Responsibilities are as follows. Anyone should feel free to contact any of those listed:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Steve Darling – Andover, from Wilmot line to Lawrence St. tunnel – <a href="mailto:sdarling@tds.net" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">sdarling@tds.net</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tom Frantz – Andover, from Plains Road to Blackwater Park – <a href="mailto:tcfrantz@comcast.net" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">tcfrantz@comcast.net</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">George Heaton – Danbury – <a href="mailto:GRHeaton@aol.com" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">GRHeaton@aol.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Lindy and Craig Heim – Wilmot – <a href="mailto:lindycraig@heimfamily.org" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">lindycraig@heimfamily.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Chris and Tim Norris – Chance Pond Rd to E. Andover</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Steve Rayno – Franklin</span></li>
</ol>
<br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Note next meeting: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684776497" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 18</span></span>, Wilmot, 1st Congregational Church, 19 N. Wilmot Rd. in Wilmot Center</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-30488006500029477832016-03-01T12:01:00.003-08:002016-03-01T12:01:32.679-08:00FNRT-MC, Minutes of Meeting February 17, 2016<br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">FNRT-MC, Minutes of Meeting</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">February 17, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Danbury Community Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Heather Deardorff,</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> George Heaton, Myra Mayman, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Lindy Heim</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guest</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Ralph Jesseman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Myra Mayman called meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792593" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:04 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792594" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:50 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Reports and votes on several business matters preceded broad discussion of three major issues: 1) maintenance of the trail, and the application to the State for a grant; 2) possible installation benches along the trail; 3) the use of ATV’s on the trail, especially by mushers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Business Matters:</strong></em></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The minutes of the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792595" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 20</span></span> meeting were approved without alteration.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Jack Shields’ proffered resignation from the Board was accepted. While the Board much regrets Jack’s departure – and wishes to thank him wholeheartedly for his service – we are at the same time happy to report that Jack is eager as ever to continue his contribution to the Trail in physical work and good counsel outside the Board context.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The Treasurer’s report shows a current balance of $37,152.51 in unrestricted funds, to be used for the benefit of the Trail. (Also see Budget discussion below.)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">A Proposed Budget for Calendar 2016 was presented by Alex Bernhard, discussed, and approved. It is transmitted herewith. As a first approved annual budget of the FNRT-MC, it has the virtue of allowing the Treasurer to pay expenses within approved budget categories without further Board action. And it makes public the financial plans for the organization.</span></li>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Maintenance Plans, and the RTP (Recreational Trails Program) Grant Application:</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">In order to move forward with the RTP grant application, Alex Bernhard met with Chris Gamache of the Trails Bureau on the morning of Feb 17. From that meeting and discussion in the evening among the Board, the structure and elements of the RTP grant application have been clarified.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The application is due in late spring, with decisions to be made in the summer, and disbursement of funds in the fall. Preparation of the application will proceed according to this time frame, with </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Nita Tomaszewski taking the lead, assisted by others, principally Chris Norris and Ricker Miller. Support letters may be needed from various towns and snow mobile clubs, which various Board members will procure in due course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The meeting with Chris Gamache made it clear that small projects can be aggregated into one overarching application. Current thinking about grant components includes various ditching, culvert cleaning, down to Chance Pond Road). As indicated in the 2016 Budget, there is anticipation of an approximately $22,400 grant application, which implies an approximately $5,600 match from the organization.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The discussion of the grant application also raised the issue of whether to include new bridge railings as a component. Bridge railing would represent a significant increase in scope, and would move the organization into an area that has thus far been pursued by snowmobile clubs. Moreover, the need for and design of bridge railings would require an engineering review and plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Given the many maintenance projects in the works, the Board decided to defer any action on railings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">However, the Board would welcome any input from interested parties on how bridge railing improvements can be made, as they will eventually be needed. In particular, a report on status and design possibilities would be much appreciated.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Trail Bench Proposal</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Ralph Jesseman came to the meeting with a much-appreciated proposal for benches along the trail, which would provide places of rest and scenic enjoyment for trail users. If installed, these would be placed at sites where there is adequate room, and far enough from the centerline to not impede any trail activity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The Board voted to proceed with a possible trial of two benches. Ralph will prepare a brief proposal of bench design and materials and appropriate sites; and Alex Bernhard will forward it to the Trails Bureau for approval.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Use of Trail by ATV’s, and Mushers</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The issue of ATVs on the Trail has arisen in the context of a recent confrontation between cross-country skiers and mushers who were using ATVs rather than sleds due to thin snow cover. The Mushers Association sent a letter to FNRT-MC reporting on this incident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The issue was discussed at the Board Meeting, as well as with Chris Gamache of the Trails Bureau. It raises sensitive legal and policy concerns about competing uses of the Trail – and its continued good condition. The Board feels deeply supportive of existing Federal policy against motorized vehicles – with the exception of snowmobiles -- on any trail that was acquired with Federal funds.</span><br />
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="-1351884768__GoBack" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"></a><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The use of ATVs as an alternative to sleds during periods of scant snow cover is not an authorized use of the Trail without a Federal waiver – which does not now exist.. We believe that the allowance of such a waiver could create an unfortunate precedent, which tends to send a mixed message to the public about acceptable use, and could result in increased and destructive ATV use of the Trail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Future plans, dates of note, and action items</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Next meeting – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792596" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 16, 7 PM</span></span>, Franklin Regional Hospital</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792597" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, April 6</span></span>, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792598" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">3 – 5 PM</span></span> – Annual Appeal stuffing/mailing party at the Highland Lake Inn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Thursday, April 14 – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792600" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday’s</span></span> Child dinner at the New London Inn, for FNRT-MC. All are encouraged to attend and bring friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">National Trails Day, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1668792601" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 4</span></span> – possibilities for involvement in the national celebration of trails will be pursued by Lindy Heim.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Fundraising Dinner, as part of Uno Restaurant “DoughNation” program. Probably in August. Heather Deardorff will pursue</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-75054011969107931592016-02-08T06:13:00.002-08:002016-02-08T06:13:45.303-08:00Jan. 16 meeting minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">FNRT-MC, Minutes of Meeting</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">January 20, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Boscawen Town Offices at the Congregational Church in Boscawen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Heather Deardorff, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Tom Frantz, George Heaton, Myra Mayman,</span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Steve Rayno, Nita Tomaszewski, Jack Shields</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Ralph Jesseman, Ricker Miller, Chris Norris, Prescott Towle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Co-President Myra Mayman called meeting to order at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710640" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710641" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:57 PM</span></span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Three major issues absorbed most of the meeting’s discussion: 1) the budget for the coming year; 2) an application to the NH RTP (Recreational Trails Program) a grant for maintenance; 3) vegetation control on the Trail in Franklin. These discussions are summarized immediately below; a report on other issues and routine items of business follows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Alex Bernhard led the discussion of a proposed </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Budget for 2016</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">, which intersected with the Treasurer’s Report on current cash position (Steve Darling), as well as potential income and expenditures associated with an RTP grant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Currently, the organization has more than $37,000 in unrestricted assets. Almost $10,000 is projected as 2016 income -- largely from contributions -- which are running somewhat ahead of prior years. On the expense side of the ledger, some $4700 is budgeted for various non-maintenance expenses; and a maintenance-expense budget is projected at almost $26,000 – the largest items of which are Chance Pond ramps paving, and an FNRT-MC cash match in the case of an RTP grant award. As the discussion of the budget suggested modifications to various items, Alex Bernhard will prepare a revised version for submission and approval at the February meeting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Consideration of an </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>RTP Grant Application </strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">led to the conclusion – so moved and unanimously approved -- that FNRT-MC should apply this year. Nita Tomaszewski will lead the application process, in consultation with Alex Bernhard and assisted by other members as necessary. The application is due around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710642" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 1</span></span> (date not yet announced).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The exact form of the RTP application remains to be determined, and will be worked on in the coming weeks by Nita and others. It is possible to submit two applications, which may be a viable approach, given the nature of potential maintenance projects, which fall into two groups: 1) a list of various items on the trail itself – ditching, culvert cleaning, washouts, trail surface, etc.; and 2) the repair/replacement of bridge railings in Andover. This second project could become quite costly – projected up to $40,000 -- depending on design choices and numbers of bridges involved. In addition, it could involve the efforts of snow mobile clubs, who have maintained railings in the past, as well as FNRT-MC. A railings project might therefore warrant a separate grant application.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The issue of </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Vegetation Control</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> for a 6-mile portion of the trail in Franklin – also discussed at the last meeting – came to a decision. Jack Shields presented two new proposals from companies in Massachusetts, and Prescott Towle again discussed, and modified, his proposal. Since parts of the Trail are becoming seriously overgrown, action this year is considered imperative. All three contractors propose the application of pre-emergent treatment, and Prescott Towle’s proposal also included a later treatment against invasive species. Given the similarity of cost for pre-emergent treatment alone, a unanimous vote in favor of a contract for $2500 with Prescott Towle was cast. The work should be completed by May, and Jack Shields will monitor progress. A decision on whether to make additional treatment will be deferred until later in the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The following items of business, notifications and other commitments were also achieved:</span></div>
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Acceptance of the Minutes from the last meeting, November 2015</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Acceptance of the Treasurer’s report by unanimous vote</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Unanimous agreement for reimbursement to Steve Rayno for expenses incurred for volunteer trail maintenance</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Notification to Chris Gamache of the Trails Bureau that the Northern Pass proposal erroneously lists the town of Franklin as proprietor of the trail, therefore avoiding notice to Trails Bureau of their plans. Nita Tomaszewski will do this.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Liaison with Hannaford’s in Franklin as to FNRT-MC as a participant in the bag purchase-donation program. Lindy Heim will make contact.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Endorsement of Heather </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Deardorff’s efforts to organize a volunteer work day – in the fall of 2016 – to clean and maintain the trail after the fall of leaves and before the snow.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Future dates of note</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> include:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="-315545718__GoBack" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"></a><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Next meeting – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710643" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Feb. 17, 7 PM</span></span>, Danbury Community Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710644" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Wednesday, April 6</span></span> – Annual Appeal stuffing/mailing party at the Highland Lake Inn</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: palatino, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710645" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday, April 14</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1108710646" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday’s</span></span> Child dinner at the New London Inn, for FNRT-MC. All are encouraged to attend and bring friends.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-41039908348820139262015-11-30T07:56:00.000-08:002015-11-30T07:56:40.670-08:00Minutes of Nov.18 Meeting<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=61979d33d3&e=7bb54e823d" style="color: blue;" target="_blank"><img alt="FNRT-MC logo" border="0" class="CToWUd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhT7Eqt0yR6Yd4LBbb6u2hJOuENQGWE74uGlAOy47G4gJ03MbaFuJNinilP28cvc4zhQNkb9BZ5266vZYfjRZqEId9833EI1eBw5OB3RW9aaAnpX853LDV0UQ6h9WBOHJlXZuc=s0-d-e1-ft" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
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<tr><td align="left" style="border: 0px none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 20px;" valign="top"><div align="center" style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">FNRT-MC Minutes</span><br /><span style="font-family: palatino, serif;">November 18, 2015</span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: palatino, serif;">Franklin Regional Hospital</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Board Attendees</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Tom Frantz, George Heaton, Craig Heim, Lindy Heim, Myra Mayman, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Steve Rayno, Nita Tomaszewski, Jack Shields</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Guests</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">: Heather Deardorff, Ed Hiller, Ricker Miller, Prescott Towle</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Meeting began at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652847" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:08 PM</span></span>; adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652848" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8:57 PM</span></span>.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Two </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>presentations</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> began the meeting: 1) milepost markers, from Ed Hiller; 2) vegetation control in Franklin, from Prescott Towle.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The discovery and reclaiming of granite milepost markers for the <span class="il">trail</span> has been pursued avidly by Ed Hiller and others, and has involved considerable liaison with the State of New Hampshire. (See FNRT-MC News Release of November 16, 2015.) Last month, the State DOT agreed to release three mileposts, currently at a remote location. Ed Hiller has arranged to have the 3 mileposts trucked to the VA Cemetery in Boscawen for safekeeping until the spring, when they can be installed on the <span class="il">trail</span>. (See further discussion of budget implications below.)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Prescott Towle presented a plan for vegetation control on a 12-foot swath on the <span class="il">trail</span> in Franklin. The application proposed would be two herbicides – non-persistent – to eliminate both grasses and invasives. The need for this application is particularly strong in Franklin, and <span class="il">trail</span> abutters seem in favor, making Franklin a test case for the remainder of the <span class="il">trail</span>. If herbicide were applied, a DOA permit is required, but not abutter notification if the work starts by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652849" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 25, 2016</span></span>. Prescott’s estimate is $4800. (Note the action item below, authorizing additional quotes and the consideration of different possible approaches.)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">After these presentations, and the exit of Ed and Prescott, various </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>reports</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> and </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>items of business</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> were covered.</span></div>
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Heather Deardorff was welcomed as a new Board Member. Heather is a resident of Belmont, and Associate Director of College Advising at St. Paul’s School. Welcome!</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The minutes from the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652850" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 21</span></span> meeting were unanimously accepted.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Steve Darling’s Treasurer’s Report was unanimously accepted. Steve noted that 2015 donations – currently $8444 – are poised to exceed 2014, and that Bank of America will provide matching funds to employees. Steve has made the requisite filing with the State of New Hampshire for a charitable corporation for this year. He also suggested that Heather Turner be given $200 for her web site work. This was so moved, seconded and unanimously accepted.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Carried or Deferred items included: reports on technology and hotel and restaurant mapping, given nothing new to report; and maintenance, given the coming of winter, and Peter Southworth’s absence.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The Board wished to recognize Peter Southworth in absentia, and to send its best wishes to him and his family with a card.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">George Heaton reported on the status of the Federal Transportation Alternatives program funding, now before Congress. Prospects for funding at prior levels look good, as amendments to eliminate the program were defeated. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652851" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">December 5</span></span> is the date for the Conference Committee of House and Senate to agree on a final version.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Nita Tomaszewski began discussion of a grant application for Recreational Trails to the State of New Hampshire, which was pursued in more general discussion later.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">The prospect of a first-time annual budget was put before the group. While budgeting is recognized to be a good idea, it is currently complicated by existing bills, new grant applications to be made, and the lack of precise estimates of costs. Alex Bernhard offered to pull together all such information and circulate a draft budget to the Board by email. If necessary, this can be discussed at a special and/or a later meeting.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">As no meeting will be held in December, the next will occur on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2048652852" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 20, 2016</span></span>, at the Boscawen Church basement. Heather Deardorff will make the arrangements for this and notify all.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: 12px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Some </span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>motions</strong></em></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"> were made, seconded and approved:</span></div>
<ol>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Authority to spend up to $1330, for milepost restoration project.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">Authorization to Jack Shield</span><span style="color: #c0504d;"><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">s </span></span><span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;">to solicit two new quotes for different approaches to vegetation control of the <span class="il">trail</span> in Franklin.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Palatino, serif;"><em><strong>Respectfully submitted by George Heaton</strong></em></span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-1755098454513637242015-05-28T14:37:00.001-07:002015-05-28T14:37:38.544-07:00May 20 meeting minutes Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County<div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Wednesday, May 20, 2015</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong>Franklin Regional Hospital Conference</strong></em></span></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1122477414" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00 p.m.</span></span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">FNRT Board Members Present: Steve Darling, Tom Frantz, Craig Heim, Charles Martin, Joyce Morton, Ellsworth Morton, Steve Rayno, Peter Southworth, Nita <span style="color: black;">Tomaszewski,</span> Bob Ward, and guests Chuck North (Franklin), Cheryl Tedford, and Iris Ianno (Tilton).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Agenda</span></span></span></div>
<ol style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Approval of April 15, 2015 minutes. Passed.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Treasurer’s Report. Steve reported income from the April & May membership drive was over $5000.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Correspondence. Steve shared some correspondence on the Dyers Crossing engineering work. Charles shared the news that other trails are moving toward securing a ‘user count’ in their hopes for some economic data and analysis. Hearing support for exploring this, Charles will look into the costs and technology.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Old Business<br /> <ol type="a">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Maintenance (Peter) Steve submitted receipts for painting & sandblasting graffiti ($75) as well as some trail clearing ($80 gas and oil expenses). Reimbursement for these expenses were approved. Alex and Steve recommend trail work clearing brush and RR ties around a proposed kiosk location by the East Andover Fire Dept. ($1800). Discussion around this recommendation questioned if that is a good location for a kiosk (is there parking nearby?). It was voted to carry this discussion and vote until next months meeting. Steve proposed retrenching the drainage ($600) south of Carr St. across from Chance Pond. There was a request for maps or photographs, and discussion and voting on this action was also carried. Craig wondered about a system to report bigger maintenance projects to a member of the maintenance committee who will then bring it to the board with necessary information in preparation for discussion and voting.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Technology report. (Steve Darling) Reported that each set of meeting minutes will be accessible on the home page of our website.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Map with hotels and restaurants (Steve R.) carried. Steve worked with Leigh Webb to identify about five sites for interpretive/historical photographs in Franklin, to be installed by Trails Day. Approval for this project was received from Trails Bureau.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Kiosks at 2 Welcome Centers. (Ellsworth) Carried. Bob observed that we need a larger, coordinated plan for kiosks before deciding where we install kiosks.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Report on Boscawen signage (Alex) Carried.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">National Trails Day (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1122477415" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 6</span></span>) exhibition opening with Andover Historical Society. We will support the event by advertising this event to the FNRT database. Schedule of meetings rotating in Trail towns (Alex) Carry to June.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Action Items (All)<br /> </li>
</ol>
</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">New Business<br /> <ol type="a">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Upcoming meetings and events: <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1122477416" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 4</span></span> plans-proposal to share our space with Special Olympics Rail Trail event on the green. Peter will pursue this with Pecco to see if your interests conflict.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Bob is looking for the location of the new, smaller sized FNRT Trail Map.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Bob raised his concerns over the very high, annual maintenance cost estimates from Trails Bureau and if we can create a sustainable, long term solution with no help from Trails Bureau. Bob wants to prepare to ask Merrimack County Commissioners for their support. There was discussion about snowmobile clubs, collecting trail use data, and determining our annual maintenance costs before proceeding with any action. We heard from our guests about the Winnie Trail issues and budget.<br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1122477417" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 17</span></span> Meeting – Boscawen (specific location TBD).</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The meeting was adjourned at </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1122477418" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:00pm</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Respectfully Submitted,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Peter Southworth, Recording Secretary</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-66490396349861901772015-05-04T03:22:00.005-07:002015-05-04T03:22:49.288-07:00State-wide trail group meeting notes<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Below are minutes of the meeting of a state wide trail group that may be of interest to those of you who want to know what is going on in rail trail work in New Hampshire outside of our Merrimack County organization.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Alex Bernhard, Vice President, FNRT/MC<br /><a href="mailto:aabernhard@comcast.net" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">aabernhard@comcast.net</a><br /> </div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
NH-RTC Conference Call Notes – March 23, 2015</div>
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Draft text by Tim Blagden</div>
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<br /></div>
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Attending: Alex Bernhard, Thom Little, Greg Bakos, Dave Topham, Charles Martin, Tim Blagden</div>
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Updates were shared in advance of the meeting from Keene, Hooksett, and Nashua River Rail Trail.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">
Alex reported the Northern Rail Trail had purchased four Blue Signs from NH-DOT at a cost of $400 each. There is an annual maintenance cost of approximately $10 per sign. More details can be found here:</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=ac5702db19&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/<wbr></wbr>operations/traffic/documents/<wbr></wbr>TODsignpolicy.pdf</a></div>
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Greg Bakos provided an update on the Goffstown Rail Trail. Their TE grant is ready to go to bid at the end of the month. The project covers the two route 114 crossings and the Mast Rd. and Old Henry Bridge Road Crossing discussed on pages 5 and 7 of this trail review</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=e4d6ffa9e2&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/<wbr></wbr>programs/bikeped/documents/<wbr></wbr>FINALGoffstownRailTrailReview.<wbr></wbr>pdf</a>.</div>
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This is project 16029, and 16029A, as shown on page 5 here:</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=5bdf302f01&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/<wbr></wbr>projectdevelopment/planning/<wbr></wbr>documents/AdYr1.pdf</a></div>
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This NRPC doc echoes Greg’s comments saying the project will go out to bid late this month:</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=a1d30da4ef&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/<wbr></wbr>projectdevelopment/planning/<wbr></wbr>stip/documents/3-12-15int.pdf</a></div>
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Greg Bakos provided an update on the Salem/Windham Rail Trail. VHB submitted comments on January 16th of 2015. NH-DOT was to get back with a response by 3/23/15. This is NH DOT project 16031. A recent request for an additional $9,000 in PE funds and $1000 in construction was approved in late February.</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=f20bdc1181&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/<wbr></wbr>projectdevelopment/planning/<wbr></wbr>stip/documents/RPC_Feb15_<wbr></wbr>Approval.pdf</a></div>
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The project has a target ad date of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_349726157" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 24th</span></span> according to page 6 of this doc:</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=f9d03d5b1f&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/<wbr></wbr>projectdevelopment/planning/<wbr></wbr>documents/AdYr1.pdf</a></div>
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Greg said construction bids are coming in 20% higher this year than last. He thinks those contractors who weathered the recession are now trying to turn a profit. He’s very nervous about the Salem project.</div>
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Alex mentioned the Northern Rail Trail had asked DRED to renew their maintenance agreement. They received a revised maintenance agreement that included language requiring the rail trail group to indemnify the state. He opined that other rail trail groups might not be in such a hurry to request updates to their maintenance agreements on DRED managed rail trail corridors.</div>
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Alex reported a technical note. Benches and signs should be 10’ from the centerline of trails.</div>
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This is a DRED standard and allows the groomers and maintenance vehicles sufficient room to operate.</div>
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Alex also addressed the topic of bridge decks that are narrower than the railings of the bridges, something that occurs repeatedly on sections of the Northern Rail Trail. He wondered if this was a liability. The answer he received back from Chris Gamache that was it was a riders risk if they left the center of the trail. A comparison was made to poison ivy alongside a trail.</div>
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That led to Greg Bakos stating the fencing requirements in official engineering book and then saying VHB met with VTRANS on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail <a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=92996a2329&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://lvrt.org/</a> to discuss fencing requirements. If they went strictly by the guidebook the trail would need miles of railings. The conclusion reached in that case was if the slope had exposed rip-rap or the bottom of the slope was a river then fencing would be required. If the bottom of the slope was a field no fencing needed.</div>
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Charles Martin joined the call and reported he would have a new version of his Guide to NH Rail Trails book out in the spring of 2016. He indicated it would be his final version and cover over 50 trails. The lead off trail would be the Granite State Rail Trail.</div>
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Tim Blagden mentioned Senate Bill 80</div>
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<a href="http://fnrt.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=f1ac649ea7fe57f5182cc11e6&id=d62aaf2843&e=41dbe31aa2" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://gencourt.state.nh.us/<wbr></wbr>bill_status/bill_status.aspx?<wbr></wbr>lsr=885&sy=2015&sortoption=&<wbr></wbr>txtsessionyear=2015&<wbr></wbr>txtbillnumber=SB80&q=1</a> and asked if any present had opinions on the bill.</div>
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Dave Topham added that the bill had a streaming audio of the senate hearing. The bill passed the senate and is currently in the House Committee of Resources, Recreation and Development.</div>
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Next meeting will be May 18th at 7:30 PM. This is one week earlier than usual to avoid Memorial Day.</div>
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(Draft notes received from Tim Blagden via email on March 23, 2015, 11:45 pm; distributed by Dave T. on March 24, 2015.)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-77139718734600815642015-04-24T07:45:00.002-07:002015-04-24T07:45:41.866-07:00April 15 meeting minutes Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County<div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Wednesday, April 15, 2015</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong>Andover Fire House</strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2017154946" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00 p.m.</span></span></strong></em></span></span></div>
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">FNRT Board Members Present: Alex Bernhard, Steve Darling, Craig Heim, Myra Mayman, Joyce Morton, Ellsworth Morton, Peter Southworth, Bob Ward, and guest Larry Chase.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Agenda</span></span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Approval of March 18, 2015 minutes</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Treasurer’s Report Steve shared the current changes and additions to our accounts.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Correspondence: There was a letter of appreciation with some photos of the trail and historic stone culvert arches.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Old Business<ol type="a">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Maintenance. We reviewed our last maintenance meeting with Chris Gamache, Chief, Bureau of Trails, and local snowmobile club members. Bob Ward (President) noted that Chris Gamache estimated a cost of $600-$2000 on a NH trail (per mile) annual maintenance which is much higher than we have experienced in our 10 years of trail maintenance. We discussed our annual maintenance budget; liability issues & RR guard rails, and insurance to cover the FNRT board. Alex suggested Peter ask the Andover Board of Selectmen if the town could mow the Andover portion of the Trail. Bob wondered about the five towns along the Rail Trail also contributing to trail maintenance as well as Merrimack County. He will contact the County Commissioners.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Technology report. Steve reported he is considering a small web site upgrade.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Map with hotels and restaurants. Steve Rayno is working on this.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Kiosks at 2 Welcome Centers. Ellsworth is making progress for the two locations, E. Andover Fire Dept. & the Boscawen Jamie Welch Park.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Rotating Meeting Locations. Alex suggested we meet in Franklin for our May meeting and continue with a regular meeting rotation in Andover, Boscawen, Franklin and Danbury. We will send out a targeted email notification to the members of the host town.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Report on Boscawen signage. Jack Shields is working on the blue DOT signs around the Hannah Dustin rest area (at the rotary). People would be directed to Commercial St. where they could park and then ride on River Rd. to the River Rd. trailhead. When the design is completed, Alex will bring us a budget to approve. Bob will arrange for the June meeting to take place in Boscawen.</li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Action Items (All)</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">New Business<ol type="a">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Bob reviewed a Franklin growth initiative meeting focused on attracting an elderly population that highlighted the Northern Rail Trail. Bob also identified a proposed link from the Rail Trail to the ‘Winnie’ Trail.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Representing the Andover Historical Society, Larry Chase asked if FNRT would co-sponsor the opening of an exhibition of Charley Freiberg’s photographs of the Trail on National Trails Day, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2017154947" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 6</span></span>. We will invite FNRT members. The idea received lots of support as we share the Potter Place trailhead. Larry also notified us that the Andover Historical Society is planning to raze the Lull house next to the Potter Place store to provide restrooms for the public. The AHS is hoping we can help out with maintenance.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Joyce reported that there was a healthy and helpful response to a postcard mailing, asking for people’s emails.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Upcoming meetings and events:<ol type="i">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">April 23 <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2017154948" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday’s</span></span> Child dinner at New London Inn.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">National Trails Day, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2017154949" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday, June 6, 2015</span></span>.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">May 20<sup>th</sup> meeting will be held at the Franklin Regional Hospital.</li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The meeting was adjourned at </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2017154951" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:00</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Respectfully Submitted,</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Peter Southworth, Recording Secretary</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1655971883822173139.post-91657491814355781082015-03-24T06:40:00.000-07:002015-03-24T06:40:25.867-07:00March 18 Meeting Minutes Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong>Wednesday, March 18, 2015</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong>Andover Town Offices building, basement meeting room</strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><em><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1685626295" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">7:00 p.m.</span></span></strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Minutes of the Meeting</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">FNRT Board Members Present: Tom Frantz, Ellsworth Morton, Joyce Morton, Steve Rayno, Peter Southworth, and Bob Ward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Discussion of maintenance with Special Guests Chris Gamache, Chief of NH Bureau of Trails and District 3 Supervisor Shawn Violette; Leon Nelson, Mike Henderson, Greg Miller - Andover Snowmobile Club, Jack Shields (Penacook Village Assoc.), Boyd Smith (Newfound Lake Region Assoc.), Steve Robinson (Danbury FNRT Trail Master), Ricker Miller (Andover FNRT Trail Master), Prescott Towle (ASC insurance), Steve Proulx & Ken Lind - Lakes Region Snowmobile Club.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">All business was carried to begin the discussion on maintenance issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Maintenance Discussion. Bob began with the overview that with 35 miles of rail trail now complete, the FNRT shifts into clarifying maintenance agreements with the state and begins planning for annual budgeting. Chris noted there are three year cooperative agreements (just like with snowmobile clubs) that depend on volunteer groups. He highlighted the limitations of money & staff and the reality that Bureau of Trails (BoT) can help with major trail crises (blow downs & wash outs, etc. due to wind and rain) but not much else. He asserted the state’s dependence and appreciation for the volunteer groups such as FNRT and snowmobile clubs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Chris noted the changing demographics of trail users and the shift away from interest in financial or volunteer support. Mike H. inquired about the Adopt-a-Trail model for trail management and this was discussed. Ricker Miller and Steve Robinson had questions about when to notify BoT for projects and shared some specifics of Danbury work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In regard to the issue of RR bridges and safety (bridges lacking guard rails), Chris stated this is a cooperative issue that volunteer clubs and the BoT should communicate on. There are many bridges that don’t have guard rails and the BoT does not consider this a safety problem. The ASC had plans to rebuild the wooden guard rails on some Andover RR bridges but Chris noted that all the bridges should be consistent with no guard rails. The wooden guard rails are a liability concern (someone could be injured while climbing on the rails).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The ASC and FNRT agreed that we are going to focus on the quality and safety of trail and bridge <u>surfaces</u> (other issues such as pruning the sides of the trail, etc. will happen as possible). The ASC asked about putting up year round stop signs and Chris had no objection. In regard to placement of benches, signs, kiosks, etc. on the trail, Chris identified that the distance from the center line is 10 feet. We need to check with BoT for placement of bench and sign areas. From the center of the trail, most right of way is 33’, but this varies. <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">In regard to the washout between Dyer’s Crossing and Sam Hill Road, Ricker Miller has not received an estimate from Edmunds to present or show BoT. When the details of the project are complete, the FNRT must notify BoT who will come out & look at the job scope and plans (also to make sure the contractor has $2 million of insurance).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The meeting was adjourned at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1685626296" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:00 PM</span></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Respectfully Submitted,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif;">Peter Southworth, Recording Secretary</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0