Friends of Webster Trails Board Minutes
Monday, November 9, 2009
Webster Community Center
Present: Hal Harris, Bob Guenther, Norma Platt, Jeff Darling, Dennis Kuhn, Rich Morrill, Larry Yost, Ted Ellstrom, Rick Taddeo, Don Baird, Karen Mischler
Guests: Alisa and Logan Kokx
There was a celebration of a special B-Day for Bob G. with cookie bars served.
The October minutes will be amended to include the Habitat Committee Report and are approved as amended.
Treasurer’s Report: Bob Guenther reported that there is a balance of approx. $5526- in the treasury.
Regarding the treasury: FWT has been approached regarding another grant and it was decided that we should accept donations.
Jeff D. volunteered to draft a grant proposal regarding the capacity building grant NYS.
Jeff is proposing a volunteer recognition program, up to $3K. T-shirts would be given to recognize volunteer work. Initially FWT would purchase 100 shirts. Jeff already has letter of support for the project.
Bob G. will provide Jeff with the financial statements from 2008 that he needs to write the grant.
Jeff will need to meet with Mark Y. to discuss some of the financial arrangements regarding FWT and the grant. FWT will find out in January if this grant will be awarded.
By-laws change: Don Baird proposed revisions to the summary of duties for the positions of trails committee, trail steward, and outing coordinators.
Jeff motioned that FWT adopt these revisions to the by-laws. Norma seconded the motion and the motion was voted on and passed.
Hal will send Don the revision to the by-laws regarding the addition of the Habitat Preservation Committee, which was approved at the annual meeting.
Don will edit the summary of job duties.
FWT Spaghetti Dinner: The Masonic Lodge has offered the FWT to host a Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, June 4. Jeff motioned that FWT accept the offer to host the dinner. Rick seconded the motion and the motion was passed.
Annual Meeting change in month: Jeff motioned for an April date for the FWT Annual Meeting. Rick seconded the motion and it was carried. The time selected was 10 AM on a Saturday. Jeff motioned that the Annual Meeting should take place at 10 AM on April 10th. Norma seconded the motioned. It was decided that FWT does need to stay flexible with date depending on meeting room space, etc.
Discussion ensued about making the Annual Meeting into a recognition event (passport program, etc.) The idea of having the meeting at Finn Park erupted.
Hal will look into Finn Park Lodge for the annual meeting or also possibly Webster Park.
Membership Report: Dennis Kuhn reported that there are currently 129 memberships, 16 members that did not renew. Five members indicated that they had an interest in being on the board.
Communications Report:
Rick will contact individuals who have an interest in submitting an article to the newsletter.
Sunday Hikes Report: The October hike was at the Rifle Range and Sharon led the hike. Hal will lead the November hike.
Briefing Sheets for Hikes: Sharon and Norma have been working on highlights only summaries for each hiking area.
Habitat Preservation Committee Report:
The Habitat Preservation Committee work is winding down. On the workday volunteers planted native plant species and cleared more Autumn Olive on the weekend.
Don Baird reported that the Smoke House Project has been completed. The sign about the history of the preserve and about the restoration project is also up.
Rick will focus an article on the topic of the Smokehouse. It would make a good article for the Webster Herald.
Jeff will send Rick a copy of a support letter written by Jan Scott.
Trails Committee: Two Lambertons were purchased for trail building. 28 people showed up for the last workday: re-route of a section of West Trail (5 bicyclers worked, even though they are not allowed in county parks.)
Hal reported that the Gosnell Committee met.
People reported that they feel lost because they are not able to see whether they are on the Big Woods Trail.
The Committee will endeavor to put some stakes in the ground to mark the trail in the big Woods. The Midnight Trail is also not obvious in the fall with leaves down and should have stakes put into the ground also.
Hal and Larry will monitor how the stakes are doing (i.e., did they walk away?)
Gosnell Big Woods – The Final Report was accepted by the PROSAR Advisory Committee. The final report will be submitted to the Town Board and be on the agenda for questions.
Kiosks: Gosnell - Gay had proposed signage regarding history, natural features, habitat, etc. The Trust for Public Lands will fund kiosks for the parking lot and at the edge of the field.
Meadow Trail: the Committee has Oked the trail. Hal sent around the proposed trail map with trail building starting in spring.
Four Mile Creek: Hal and Larry met with Mark Y. and Jason to talk the property. There were impressed with the potential for the property. The Highway Dept. is going to look at putting in a parking lot this fall.
Conservation Easements: The FWT Board needs to know more about the options for trail access and needs the help of a creative professional to make a proposal regarding the Cumberland property.
Discussion: Someone needs to meet with Charlie Gineseee – the Town Attorney.
Or, to schedule a meeting with him and the board. Perhaps it would be helpful to talk to the person on the opposite side of the Eckler property also.
Dennis will call to schedule a meeting with Mr. Ginessee regarding 3 pieces of property that could be added to Four Mile Creek.
Next meeting January 11, 2010 (No Dec. meeting.)