Friends of Webster Trails

Donate

FWT Board Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2025 7:00 pm

Author:

Sarah White
Attendees
Denise Bilsback, Pat Fulkerson, Ron Happ, Hal Harris, Norma Platt, Chris Peterson, Paul Piotrowski, Linda Siple, Anna Taylor, Sarah White, Ben WisniewskiW
Adimistrative Reports
  1. Approve/Change Agenda: OK
  2. Approve Minutes of February 2025 Meeting: Approved
  3. Membership Status – Denise B
    • Membership: 234, with 2 new in February.
    • Donations: $30
    • Volunteer Hours: 33, mostly tree removal
  4. Review of Treasurer Report- Chris
    • $35k, including investments
    • $1k from town to be invoiced on projects as they are completed.
    • CD is maturing. Chris will get it renewed at a favorable rate.
    • Wahl donations should go to an appropriate scout project, unless otherwise specified.
  5. Website Inquiry Summary – Norma
    • Questions on membership statuts
    • Notice of memorial donations for Betty Wahl
  6. Communication Director – TBD/Anna T
    • Newsletter due date is March 30 – Send to Sarah
    • New Website host investigation in process
  7. Social Media – Sarah
    • New Website host to be secured later this month
    • FB followers steady
  8. Habitat Committee Update – Norma: call for volunteers in email and in NL

Trail Planning and Maintenance

  1. Scout project presentations
    1. Andrew Naiko, State Road Nature Preserve Kiosk and Bench. Construction planned to start in late April. Approved at not more than $1000.
    2. Nate Weston, Whiting Road Nature Preserve Yellow Trail, 54-foot Boardwalk. Construction planned to start in late April. Approved at not more than $2500.
  2. Mower Discussion: Plan to keep the trailer as a storage unit. Town plans to mow Hojack and around parking lots. ACTION ITEM: Anna to talk with town about options for the mower.
  3. Trail Steward Report – Linda
    • Priority projects for 2025 –  Linda/All: Workday schedule finalized.
  4. Trail Steward & Trail Partner Job Duties (See Attached)– Linda/All
    1. 11 new volunteers for trail stewards and trail partners (who will work with stewards).
    2. Additional stewards and partners are still needed, so a solicitation will go out later in the month.
  5. Trail Inventory Sign off – All: inventory to be updated twice a year by Trails Chair. Anna to share with Town.

Meeting Notes
  1. Review Goals/Focus for the Year
    • Hojack Trail Planning Team/Committee
      • Vision created: We envision the future Hojack Trail as a protected public parkland and safe non-motorized transportation conduit that connects Webster’s neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses. It is the centerpiece of Webster’s trail system and a tool for teaching Webster’s history as well as a draw for health-conscious tourists. It enables cycling, walking, hiking, and running while still providing access to RG&E’s electrical distribution system. A model for this is the Auburn Trail which traverses urban, suburban, and rural sections in Brighton, Pittsford, and Victor on a safe crushed gravel, RG&E-friendly surface.
      • Review Grant opportunity: Ralph Wilson Jr Trail Maintenance Fund. Deadline is April 4. Board approved Ben to investigate with the town and RGE and to submit an application for Hojack trail resurfacing if appropriate.
    • ATV/Motorized Vehicles on Trails: Anna needs to reach out to WPD.
    • Kiosk Updates: Denise, Linda and Anna to meet for planning.
    • Recruitment Board Positions & Trail Stewards- Linda/Anna
      1. VP Post for Membership. Email will go to members.
      2. Hojack Trail Steward – middle section, and communications chair. Send out by email and FB in early April.
  2. Re-Tree Project: Norma
    1. Grant request submitted to Rochester Birding.
    2. Recruiting new volunteers.
    3. Potting event 4/26. Supplies to be purchased.
    4. $1300 in remaining grant funds.
  3. Promote (RECRUITMENT)/Events/Fundraising:
    • Volunteer Fair May 10 10am-12pm (2) volunteers needed.
    • Passport Challenge – Spring Kick off – Anna T
    • Ribbon Cutting & Hike – Hermann Rd: Ben to work on a date for fall
    • Ribbon Cutting & Hike – State Rd: Date in summer
    • Scavenger Hunt –November 8th Pettit Family Host, Location TBD Anna T
    • Hot Cocoa Hike – Denise to pick a date, probably in Finn Park.
  4. Open Discussion – none.