Friends of Webster Trails

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FWT Board Meeting Minutes

June 10, 2024 7:00 pm

Author:

Denise Bilsback
Attendees
Denise Bilsback, John Bottcher, Pat Fulkerson, Bud Gearhardt, Ron Happ, Hal Harris, Dennis Kuhn, Norma Platt, Linda Siple, Ann Taylor; Guest Joseph Webster (scout) and William Ernest
Adimistrative Reports
  1. No changes to the agenda.
  2. Approve Minutes from March 2024 Meeting: Approved
  3. Membership Status-Denise B
    • 245 members
    • Donations $435
    • Two new memberships in May
    • Total donations in memory of William Rampe 2,340
    • Work hours May 885
  4. Review of Treasurer Report-Chris is not in attendance. Information is in drop box
  5. Website Inquiry Summary-Norma
    • One inquiry about horses on the trail at Whiting Road
  6. Habitat Committee Update- Norma
    • Over 50 hours pulling Garlic Mustard
    • Plantings at BST and Whiting Road
    • Starting to survey plantings and record the data.

Trail Planning and Maintenance

  1. Scout Projects-Patrick
    1. Presented document: Patrick presented a document he uses to guide scout projects. Eagle Scout Project Process Document– He will place in Dropbox
    2. Joseph Webster, Eagle Scout candidate, presented placing a board work on pink trail in WRNP in marshy area. This will connect WRNP to HRFWF.
    3. Project approved by voice vote. Limit of $3,500.
    4. The second scout had arrived unprepared and will be rescheduled for July meeting.
  2. Mowing-Bud
    1. Does not appear that Park and Rec is moving Hojack, Bird Sanctuary, FMCP or WRNP
    2. Action item: Anna to talk with parks and rec
  3. Trail Counting–John
    1. John asked to spend $350 dollars on material to help input data from the counter. It was approved by voice vote.
    2. Recent counter data:
      1. WRNP blue trail south – 802
      2. WRNP blue trail north – 451
      3. Gosnell Big Woods – 897
      4. FMCP – 594
      5. Hojack Trail north – 519
      6. Hojack Trail Klem – 266
      7. Hojack Trail east – 414
      8. Bird Sanctuary – 926
      9. Chiyoda Trail – 726
      10. John Ungar – 111
      11. Finn Park – 261
      12. Vosburg Hollow – TBD
  4. Horses on the trail – Norma
    1. Action Item: Linda will place on bridge on the connector trail at Webster Park
    2. Action Item: Anna will discuss further with Glen at Parks and Rec
  5. Hickory Bark Trail accessibility: Trail determined to be accessible.
    1. Action Item: Anna to notify Glen of decision
    2. Action Item: Denise to repair boardwalk
  6. WRNP ATV Issues: No new issues with ATV’s
  7. Sign Status: “Trouble on the trail,” Bud
    1. Bud has placed 42 signs to date
    2. He will place some signs at Herman Road and State Road in the future
    3. He is asking to place brochure box at additional kiosk; Voice vote to place them at Kiosk at 250, State Road and Herman Road
  8. Workdays
    1. Workday #2- May 18-Hal reported successful, good turnout, open new trail and upgraded existing trail.
    2. Upcoming workday #3 June 15 at Gosnell Big Woods, Craig is leading. Only 1 has signed up.
      1. Action Item: Norma to send another Facebook post.
    3. Trails ROC – Planned to replace broken boardwalk on connector trail in Webster Park
    4. Some of the dates on FWT 2024 Event list are not accurate. Action Item: Linda and Anna will review and update the list

Meeting Notes
  1. Retree
    1. Next planting date is October workday
    2. Two wheelbarrows are being stored in Retree nursery. Decided to store in trail with mower.
    3. Action Item: Norma will get wheelbarrows to Linda for workday this weekend and then place them in the trailer.
  2. Promote (Recruitment)Events/Fundraising
    1. Rita Fiesta was successful. Feedback would go again but come later 2-4pm.
    2. Cars and Tree Hike-October 5:  Dennis plans are coming along. Car expert will be coming to the event to give the talk this year.
    3. Library Summer Reading Kick off. Friday June 21 5:30-7pm, Anna will be attending.
    4. Webster Trail Classic 10mile and 3.5 race- Anna to attend, may also need volunteers.
  3. Goals/Priorities to Support our Mission
    1. Passport is in Wegman’s hand at present time.
    2. Certificate on completion, consider drawing at Annual Meeting.
    3. Action item: Denise to contact Katie to check on progress
  4. Open Space/Grants:
    1. Money to go towards the Sandbar project
    2. Money to help with historical markers and gate replacement on the Hojack trail