Ballots were gathered by acting Secretary David Rumohr
and turned over to Elections Committee of Martha Nitz, Lee Rumohr and Mike
Sproul. Election results were unanimous for re-election of Lee Sorensen,
John Tarantino and Dennis Tipsword. A total of 26 ballots were cast with no
write-ins.
Questions on Trail were raised. The Friends Group
stated our position for a multiuse trail, non-motorized. The trail surface
to be horse friendly as well. The ultimate decision will rest with the
Inter-local Agreement.
Inter-local Agreement has been approved by City of
Richmond and Washington Twp.
Basic agreement requires $ 25k endorsement,
maintenance of $ 5k, plus any major resurfacing work.
Bruce Twp is still undecided.
February approval is expected by Macomb County and
HCMA officials.
Shelby Twp. Will vote afterwards but is in
agreement
The Friends Group desires a copy of the
Inter-local Agreement.
MDOT granted RTC with $ 100K Grant to develop Macomb
Orchard Trail. RTC considering using $ 15 K of the grant to hire Monahan
Associates, a fund raising group, to study the potential availability of
funds in the commumnity. Monahan could also run the actual fund raising
activity for about $ 65K. The Friends Group as a 501c3 charity maybe the
focal point to except donations raised by the Monahan Associates. There are
benefits for the fund raising to be passed through a Community Foundation
Group. Shelby Township Community Foundation may also be involved with
handling the monies.
Macomb County has applied for a grant from MDOT for
the initial purchase of the trail property. The grant is for $1.8 million
for the initial one-third-trail purchase from the Trust for Public Lands.
The grant looks favorable at this time. The County has also applied for
grants from the Greenways Foundation, which will require matching local
funds.
Liability Insurance has been purchased from Verlinde
Insurance Agency, Richmond. The extent of coverage will be reviewed at a
latter date.
Display Tables were purchased by Dennis Tipsword. The
three tables will be used in our booth for display and support of Video
equipment, shirt sales and literature. The total purchase price was $ 95.37
.
April Meeting to be held on April 23 at Johnny
Appleseed Cider Mill/Golf Fun Center on 26 Mile near Van Dyke. We are going
to this location for a trail walk or ride on the Macomb Orchard Trail. The
trail borders the East side of their property. Jack Oddo, owner of Johnny
Applseed is waving his normal rental fee of $40 for the facility and the
Cook’s fee of $75/hour. Pizza will be available at $10 each and pop at 75
cents. Jack will also donate coupons for mini-golf or a bucket of balls.
Martha Nitz did the preliminary contact with Jack Oddo.
We will need publicity contacts with Suburban Life
Style, Macomb Daily, Romeo Observer, and the Armada Times. Additionally
contacts to the Chamber of Commerce for the immediate communities along
the trail. Local political officers should be invited as well.
Dennis Tipsword to check on availability of horse
drawn wagon for trail use.
Martha Nitz will contact the Naturalist from
Stoney Creek to talk about the trail area.
Motion passed to guarantee Jack Oddo $ 200 in
revenue for the food concession by Chuck Mabley and John Tarintino.
Contact must be made with Anthony Cassanta, Macomb
Parks & Recreation to provide authorization to use the trail. Proof
of insurance will be required.
Pizza & Pop coupons will be sent out to all
members in a future newsletter. Additional coupons will be provided to
visiting dignitaries.
Johnny Appleseed Cider Mill/ Golf Fun Center, 6001
_ 26 Mile road, Washington Twp., Mi. 48094. Phone # 586-677-9988
Storage Shed
Ted Gondert checked on a storage shed in Romeo. A
5x5 shed would cost $32/month.
We need accessible storage for numerous shirt
& sweatshirt boxes, tables, display booth, video equipment and
display boards.
Request for short article in newsletter for
storage space.
Bonior Book Sales
Dave Rumohr will pickup additional copies from
Nancy Krupiarz, RTC. Books will be available after Jan. 13, 2002.
Camp Rotary meeting location will be reserved for the
following year.
Meeting date may be moved to the fourth Tuesday,
effective for the April meeting, to accommodate Dennis Tipsword.
Dennis was just appointed to the Ray Township Planning Commission, which
meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Audit of Treasurer Books
Chuck Mabley reviewed the books with Neil Kocsis.
Neil approved the books.
(RTC) Rails to Trails Conservancy conference will be
held April 28-30 (Sunday – Tuesday) at Amyway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand
Rapids. More details will be available in mid February per Nancy Krupiarz,
RTC.
Armada Village
Charles Mc Nabb has spoken to the Township Board
and Planning Commission. They are in favor of the trail but are short
funding at this time. Still need their approval of the inter-local
agreement.
Armada Township is still against the trail.
Brochures for the trail will be reprinted in the
amount of 200 copies. This will cover the MMBA meeting in February. More
will be printed when our meeting date is confirmed for the year.
Macomb Land Conservancy, Kathleen Bolton, President
MLC is looking for land along the trail for
maintaining a natural conservancy. The Conservancy has been active for
approximately 2 years.
Initial review will be in Richmond Township. The
MLC desires a wooded/wetland of approximately 40+ acres.
MLC is also working with the Greenways Cooperative
on this project.
Parking locations were discussed in general.
Motion was made and approved to provide the MLC
with our mailings and to provide a link to our website.
Macomb Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 332
Romeo, Mi. 48065
www.savingplaces.org
Phone/fax 810-784-5848
Non-Member Mailing list will be revised by Dave Rumohr
for one additional mailing. Sample letter will be sent to board for their
concurrence.
Meeting Adjourned.
