Macomb Orchard Trail Friends Group Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, November 23, 2004 Meeting is called to order. A motion is made by Chuck Mabley and seconded by Dave Rumohr to accept the October meeting minutes. Treasurer’s report by Chuck Mabley shows an end of the month of October balance of $5,447.02. Motion made by Dave Rumohr to approve the report. Seconded by Rich Platz and accepted. Correspondence – Dennis Tipsword says that he has been receiving requests in his personal email about information on benches for the trail. This is a good sign. Dennis is passing the questions on to Anthony Casasanta. Trail Commission Meeting: (thanks to Chuck Mabley) The adoption of the rules and procedures need another adjustment. These should be available at the next meeting. Sidewalk proposal was approved. There was discussion regarding Sterling Concrete. They will put in a wood fence and plant a few trees on the barrier, which he will maintain. The owner is willing to increase the lease from $900 a year to a higher amount. He is interested in this continuing this good neighbor relationship for another 7-10 years. Armada Grain is still negotiating. Details should be worked out by next month. Comment was made on no email contact. There is possibility for a grant to build a bridge over Van Dyke. John Crumm had many agenda items. He has been attending Romeo meetings Dennis Tipsword added that Frontier Town in Romeo has shown interest in a tie-in to the trail. There will be no December meeting. There is change of representation on the end of Richmond with the recent city manager resignation. John Moore is now the acting city manager. He will still be active in trail issues. Proposed is a south end welcome center. Covered bridge report (Neil Kocsis): o Steve Lodge called and he needs more information on the cupola. Are there more specifics, such as materials? o There was talk of what kind of fencing should be used. What about existing? o The commission did have some regulations to consider. There are liability concerns on damaged property. There also has to be a licensed and insured entity responsible for the building of the bridge o There is a possibility of it being built this spring. o Does anyone know a licensed builder to cover us? Neil has a few ideas. He will call for referrals. o We can check our own liability coverage. "Can we swing a hammer legally?" was a concern voiced at the meeting. This concern can also be shared with the commission. Historian report (Rich Platz) o George Fealko from the Richmond Historical Society shared a copy of the original deed of the Airline Railroad with us. Newsletter update o Is it ready for print? o It needs to include reference to Phase II and Phase III because of discrepancy with state funding. Phase I is complete. o The ballot and renewal form will be included with newsletter. New Business o Much discussion was had on the mission of the Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail. Now that our "mission has been accomplished" do we need to change our focus? Do we need another charter? Suggested we think about the path of the trail for the future. Do we promote usage or even change to Friends of Macomb Trails? "We need more challenges." More thoughts were that we promote the Friends group, finish the trail, and get back into the public image. o After usage and getting people involved we could encourage social events that help the trail. o Dave Rumohr gave a Michigander update. He is trying to bring the ride to this area. However, he is having difficulty with schools in South Lyon. He has also been told not to go ahead this year because there is no guarantee that the trail will be done in time. There will be no December meeting. Next meeting will be in January Meeting adjourned. See you next year!

Dave Rumohr*
Lee Rumohr
Neil Kocsis
Ted Gondert
John Tarantino*
Rich Platz*
Dennis Tipsword*
Chuck Mabley*
Christine Hamilton*