· Welcome newcomers Tony Feldhus of the Macomb Land Conservancy and Wayne Allgaier of Shelby Township.

· January’s meeting minutes were changed:

o RTC is considering using $15K of the grant to hire Monahan Associates, a fundraising group

o Camp Rotary meeting date WILL BE changed from 2^nd Tuesday to the 4^th Tuesday as of April. The time still needs to be set for the April event.

· The treasurer’s report shows an end of January balance of $3,958.63 after expenses.

· Rich Platz makes a motion for the newly re-elected officers to keep their current positions on the board. John Tarantino seconds it and the motion passes. Lee Sorensen will remain Chairman, Dennis Tipsword Vice Chairman and Chuck Mabley will be treasurer.

· Dave Rumohr reports that there are 80+ current members. He added 14 renewals and 2 new memberships to the list at the time.

· Dave also says the non-members and renewal list will be receiving a note to remind them to renew and about the April event.

· Considering the April event:

o The Macomb Land Conservancy (MLC) will be there providing information to those that are interested.

o Tell families they can bring children because there is a game room at Johnny Appleseed.

o Insurance/liability-wise we should be covered for the event.

· Considering Clean-up Day:

o We need to check with Johnny Appleseed about using their dumpster.

o We need to check with Anthony Casasanta about being on the trail.

o In search of a chipper/shredder to ease in disposal of debris.

o The date SATURDAY, MARCH 16 has been chosen for the trail clearing. We are looking for volunteers to meet at Johnny Appleseed at 9 a.m. to help out.

· Dave Rumohr distributed a political/communications list to the board members.

· The Interlocal agreement committee met today.

o Washington and City of Richmond have signed making it a valid document.

o The agreement was submitted to Macomb County Operations Services by attorney Jill Smith and passed. After this we should expect more communities to sign on.

o Chuck Mabley reports that Richmond is ready and eager to get started working on the trail at their end.

· MOT owes RTC for 24 of Bonior’s books,  on consignment from RTC.  We will be paying them back the cover price of $18.95 as we sell them.  We still have books available for sale if anyone is interested and the money goes to a good cause.

· The feedback on attending the MMBA Annual meeting was that it was good exposure. There were many groups represented there.

· Not much action by way of A.M. or Email as reported by Lee Sorensen.

· We will continue to meet at Camp Rotary on the 4^th Tuesday of the month after April.

· It is agreed that we need to receive a copy of the Interlocal agreement. Lee will contact John Moore about receiving a copy.

· Dave Rumohr suggests we work on a letter of intent to give to the county – next month.

· Dave Rumohr also suggests that we have business cards made up for the board members so when we do make contacts we can more conveniently identify ourselves.

· We should make an invitation for people living along the trail to tell them about our Clean-up Day.

· The RTC State Convention is April 28-30 in Grand Rapids.

o John Tarantino makes a motion to pay the $300 for Lee Sorensen to attend 2 days with an overnight stay at the conference. Dave Rumohr seconds the motion and the worthwhile motion is passed.

· An email from Nancy Krupiarz says RTC is planning on doing a feasibility report to find out how much we can expect from our communities from fundraising.

· Armada Township is having a public hearing this Wednesday at the township hall to discuss the ordinance they want to put in to "protect Armada." Anyone that can attend is encouraged.

· Ideas are sought on new merchandising ideas such as bottled water, water bottles, caps, bumper stickers, bike bells, etc.

· All board members will take a copy of the current brochure home to make changes and updates on it for the next meeting.

· John Tarantino announces that Clinton River Riders generously donated $1,000 to the MOT this year. A thank you note will definitely be sent to them.

· Rich Platz has started a MOT lending library. Available for borrowing so far are: "Designing sidewalks and Trails for Access, Millenium Legacy Trail, information on the Katy Trail and Mississippi River Trail and a binder containing information on the maintenance and service of trails. He also put the pictures that John Tarantino took of the use of the Paint Creek Trail and put them on display boards.

· Tony Feldhus of the Macomb Land Conservancy:

o Both our groups have similar agendas and should work together in the future.

o MLC is in search of land. They have it set up so that land can be donated, bought or agreements can be made to keep it undeveloped.

o It was suggested MLC put an article in the next newsletter about their request.

· Meeting adjourned.

 

 

Lee Sorensen* Tony Feldhus Wayne Allgaier Gale Barr Ted Gondert

Al Goetzinger Rich Platz* John Tarantino* Chuck Mabley* Christine Hamilton*

Dave Rumohr* Lee Rumohr

*Indicates board member