Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Convene:

President Bill Bussey called the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC) to order just past 7:30 p.m.

Treasurer's Report:
Dan Clever presented the Treasurer's report. He explained that several large checks have been written, reducing our balances to $17k. Of these funds, about $1,400 is unrestricted.

American Tobacco Trail (ATT) Workdays:
Dan reported on last Saturday's (Oct. 5) workday. Trash spots were cleaned up. Drainage improvements are still needed below the Fayetteville Rd. bridge overpass. Cotten Tyler noted that only 10% of our newly planted trees survived the summer's drought.

Membership Mailing:
Bill will call the Post Office to confirm the formats for address files required to obtain a free validity check of our address file. Then Gail Austin Curry will send out our mailing. Several board members have mailing lists; how can they be consolidated? Dan will ask Thad Howard about his Friends of the ATT list. Bill will manage the main TRTC list.

Trail Cleanup Grants:
Bill described problems with damaged bollards. Cotten told about motorcycles trespassing. We need telephone pole bollards in Chatham County to help spend the $5k grant.

Fundraising:
- Money is needed to re-deck the Chatham trestles. The cost of decking each of the 2 bridges has been estimated at over $175,000. We need to get a set of Wake County’s plans for decking.
- "The Preserve," a residential development off Big Woods Rd., has invited TRTC to be a beneficiary of their promotions. On October 18 Bill will speak on behalf of TRTC at their open house for local organizations.
- Cotten suggested a fundraising committee. Cotten, Gail, and Curt Devereux will come up with ideas.
- A landscape architect could draw a rendering of any of the trestles to be spanned.
- Bill told about a website, www.cafeshops.com, that sells apparel with logos from smaller organizations such as TRTC. Bill will investigate the details of setting up a TRTC Store and its benefits.

Other Business:
- John McCann said that it's hard to get current trail information from Durham Parks & Rec. Cotten asked John to contact them and Beth Timson.
- Bhavani Iyer asked whether any trail neighbors had complained about the ATT. Her email address is: biyer@hotmail.com

Bill adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.

Convene:
President Bill Bussey called the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC) to order at 7:35 p.m.

Members Present:
Bill Bussey, Gail Austin Curry, Curt Devereux, Thad and Betsy Howard, Alan Dippy, Leslie Kennedy, Dave Connelly, Steve Lund, Al Capehart.

Guests: Keecia James of UNC and Ricky White of The Nature Conservancy's Southeast office.

Treasurer's Report: Bill presented Dan Clever's Treasurer's report.

American Tobacco Trail (ATT) Workdays:
Thad reported good results from the Nov. 2 workday that featured chainsaws. We'll soon need to rent a chipper. Two eagle scouts will help with (1) a split rail fence and (2) an information kiosk. They'll report their plans at the December meeting.

Membership Mailing:
Gail and Bill discussed the use of mailing address services prior to sending. Al suggested MS Direct Mail Manager.

Cleaning Up Our Old Grants:
Betsy will check her files. Thad said that Dan might have these grant files. Grant uses include mapping and tree planting. Both TRTC and the city of Durham could update and print new ATT maps.

New Grants:
The Chatham County Manager and the Chatham County Commissioners need a nudge to move forward on the Chatham portion of the ATT. So does Cary Mayor Glen Lang.

Fundraising:

- Gail reported Chatham's need of $400,000 for two bridges.
- Ideas: Golf tournament, picnics.
- Approach new homeowners associations (HOAs)
- Plan of action: Gail, Curt & Cotten will go to southern Durham County HOAs, asking to speak & meet. The committee is to meet again on Nov. 6.
- Thad urged that we keep up with Chatham land rezoning cases, earlier in the development process.
- Al suggested asking NC for $300,000 bridge funding.
- Dave suggested asking metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to include projects in NC's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Other Business:
- Al spoke to a Triangle leadership group with Jim Goodmon and Peter Anlyan.
- Al saw a police motorcyclist on the ATT. Is there a speed limit?
- Steve asked about a self-maintained email list. Bill said not.
- Rickie said that The Nature Conservancy's office borders the ATT near Kroger. Native prairie plants survive there. The TNC staff are concerned that city maintenance and mowing may disturb or even destroy these plants. Bill indicated he would look into this.
- Bill reported on the East Coast Greenway Alliance's national board meeting.

Bill adjourned the meeting.

Minutes submitted by Dave Connelly, Secretary, TRTC

Convene:
President Bill Bussey called the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC) to order at 7:35 p.m.
Members present:  Bill Bussey, Gail Austin Curry, Curt Devereux, Thad and Betsy Howard, Dan Clever, Keecia James, Dave Connelly.
Guests: Diane and Will Renfrow, Scott and Ken Langdon.

Treasurer's Report & Minutes:
Dan reported that there were no major changes in TRTC's financial condition. Dave submitted minutes from the Nov. 4 meeting. The board approved the reports.

Proposals by Boy Scouts:
Thad Howard introduced 2 boy scouts, Will and Ken. Ken plans to put up a split rail fence. Posts are to be installed on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. Our grants will fund materials and tools. Will is to build an information kiosk with a metal roof and posts, and provide trash cans. Will asked for guidance on materials and design. Bill requested a larger display surface. There was discussion about form and function, also price options. Work on the 2 projects is to finish in March 2003. Approval will be needed from the scout projects advisor. Betsy & Thad suggested matching Will's fundraising $1:$1 up to $200. This was then offered as a motion and approved by the board.

Chancellor's Ridge parking area:
Thad is to pick up the deed to this property on Dec. 3. TRTC is to apply for a $40,000 Recreational Trails grant through Darrell McBane. The board's consensus was to have Thad submit this grant proposal. The application is due January 31, 2003.

Discussion of Draft of Site Plan for Herndon Park:
Thad has talked to William Royston. Royston's draft site plan is overly busy (crowded), lacking equestrian, cycling and parking accommodations. Also, the impervious surface is too great. Bill is to write a letter to Tim Grant and Wm. Royston. Additional letters to the Mayor and City Council may be sent at a later time.

Right of Entry Agreement:
Thad presented a proposed agreement between TRTC and the City of Durham. Bill will sign the required 3 copies.

Trails Mapping Project:

Bill reported that Eric Ringler of Polaris Cartography has furnished a detailed proposal to develop TRTC's next trail map. Questions were raised as to whether the City of Durham will also do a map. Bill is to call Darrell McBane about the timing of closing out our mapping grant.

Other Business:

• Elections for officers and board positions will be held at the Feb. 2003 Board meeting.
• We need to give Congressman David Price a cost estimate for the I-40 bridge.
• Bill and Gail are to finish up the membership mailing labels.
• Curt submitted an application for an Adopt-A-Trail grant on November 27. Bike racks, trash receptacles and one kiosk were requested for various ATT locations from NC 54 to the DBAP.

Convene:
President Bill Bussey called the monthly meeting of the Triangle Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TRTC) to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members present: Bill Bussey, Frank Bennett, Gail Austin Curry, Curt Devereux, Thad Howard, Dan Clever, Al Capehart, Steve Lund, Leslie Kennedy, Dave Connelly.
First-time attendees: Matt Lavoie, Terry Dame, Michael Thurston, Sharon Peterson, Chris Hoover, Ray Alexander (Louisburg, NC).

Hoofing It:
Members discussed the measuring of foot traffic on the paved portions of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT).

Treasurer's Report: Dan presented TRTC's annual financial report. Our balances total $17,370.91.

Trail Workdays Report: The Dec. 4-5 ice storm had closed most sections of the ATT. Thad reported that our volunteers have reopened the trail south of Massey Chapel Rd. Phases A-D have been reopened by the City's crews. We need to work on our trail entrances. Money will be needed to rent a mulcher for all the fallen trees and branches. Thad and Steve discussed woodchip dispersal options for the ATT. Thad also announced a workday for the Eagle Spur trail on Feb. 9. Steve asked about recruiting neighborhood representatives. Thad responded that it had been difficult to officially speak about our trail efforts without a signed agreement with the City of Durham and with real estate developers.

Chancellor's Ridge parking area:
Thad reported that a title has been signed and is to be officially filed. By Jan. 31, TRTC (Thad) will submit an application for a National Recreational Trails grant of up to $50,000 through Darrell McBane. Thad has several ideas for the parking area. Discussion ensued about whether to furnish utilities: water, electricity and telephone. For the near term, Thad believes that water and electricity should be deferred. Some type of emergency phone would be highly desirable and Thad indicated that he would look into various options.

Grants:
The Carolina Tarwheels Bicycle Club has invited TRTC to ask for a small grant. Their board may consider this at their Jan. 15 annual meeting. We have several needs. Dave asked that our board present only 1 proposal at a time to the Tarwheels. Thad moved (Al seconded) to request $2,000 for tree removal and to explore the possibility of future grants. Motion carried.
Cartographer Eric Ringler of Polaris Maps is ready to proceed with preparing a new group of maps. Over the past month Bill coordinated with the NC grants office to secure approval of the funds for these efforts from the 1997 Adopt-A-Trail grant.
In other grant news, TRTC's application for the Nat. Recreation Trails grant will be in competition with an application to be submitted by the City of Durham for a ATT-to-Forest Hills connector in Durham.

Annual Elections:
Bill reported that annual elections will be held at next month's meeting. Members indicated their interests in continuing to serve as Board Members or officers for 2003. Openings will be available and Bill will be contacting prospective members for the Board to discuss their interests.

Other Business:

• Curt reported on dates for the design of the ATT's I-40 overpass.
• Thad and Steve announced the annual NCDOT TIP MPO public hearings.
• Gail asked that we seek benches at frequent intervals along all sections of the ATT.
  

Minutes submitted by Dave Connelly, Secretary, TRTC

President Bill Bussey opened the meeting and everyone introduced themselves. Twenty-two people were present including board members. Bill discussed bridge construction in Wake County on the American Tobacco Trail and showed examples of some of the materials being used. Discussion of written request to Congressman Price for financial assistance to complete ATT development in Chatham and Durham Counties. Put together by Beth Timson and Tracy Burnett for use by Cong. Price in seeking funds in the FY 2004 budget.

Treasurer's Report:

TRTC Treasurer Dan Clever reported we should have $5472 in our account by the end of March '03 and $4700 in unrestricted grant funds now. Currently we have $3000 in working funds. Our ATT endowment fund is up to $1910 and continuing to grow.

Trail Workdays Report

Thad Howard reported that the clearing of the Eagle Spur section of the ATT was very successful as far as participation of new volunteers and as far as the clearing and reconstruction of the trail. Future projects for the month of March will include the pick-up and disposal of cut logs from the last two ice storms, which had very extensive damage from trees, and work towards drying out of wet spots from a very wet winter.
There will be a meeting in 3 weeks with Beth Timson and a representative of the Rails Division of the DOT for further discussion of a memorandum regarding the liability and use of the ATT, with the Corps of Engineers, the NC Wildlife Dept, and the City/Cty of Durham. A permit to use the corridor with the Army Corps of Engineers has not been issued yet. Permit relates to the first 1000' of trail south of Massey Chapel Road.
Duke Power has control of the trail south of Scott King Road to the Chatham County line. A discussion of how to dispose of the massive amount of cut trees that were blocking the trail pursued:

• Hiring a contractor to assist us in chipping the trees would be $800 per day and $1800 per day for them to do the job without our assistance. Did not hear how many days they estimated either way to finish job.
  
• The wet areas of the trail will be looked at during the next couple of weeks.
  
• Renting a chipper for us to do the work ourselves would cost about $200 per day.
  Conclusion was made that we will rent chipper and chip all but the biggest trees. The biggest trees will be moved well into the wooded areas to decompose naturally.

Grants:

Two new Grants are available to us: The Eastman Kodak Grant and the Verizon Grant.
Discussion of the Verizon Grant. Steve Toller is our contact person and is supportive of our needs. It requires that it be used for trail technology. Suggestions for its use are welcome. Some of them are for trail surveillance, web site software and a suggestion by Curt for map software. Thad made a suggestion to purchase Page Maker Software. Curt said there are pros and cons with having our own website versus keeping ours as one of the many sites under NC Rails-Trails.

Thad said we need new Newsletter Editor. Anyone interested?
RTP Net and Triangle Greenways Council are possible places for hosting a new website.
Al - Health would be great angle to get people on the trail.
Thad noted that Durham's Beth Timson believes Durham will foster an "Adopt a Trail" program to reach out to neighborhoods in Durham in the future. Dunn-Erwin has program we should look at.
Where to find info on potential grants? A Chronicle of Philanthropy may be useful noted Dave Connelly.

Update on Herndon Park Issues:

Equestrian community says there is not enough space planned for horse people. Need 10-12 equestrian parking spaces and each space needs a 15'x50' area. Beth Timson has talked with Duke Power on a sight easement that could provide more equestrian space. No answer yet.
Sidewalks connecting trail and Herndon Park. Need more than 5' wide walk. Also need more parking. Thad noted that in the past the city makes adjustments for things like this after the fact. Letter needs to go out to all board members about sending a letter to officials.

Replacement of Broken Tools:

Steve's chain saw was totally damaged on Eagle Spur recently from a falling tree. The cost of the saw is $450 and Steve has requested TRTC to replace the saw. Gail made a motion for Steve to look at his Homeowner's Insurance to pay for the saw and TRTC to pay the deductible. If the policy will not cover it, we will reconsider at the next meeting. Thad seconded the motion. No one opposed.

Point of Interest. Can we match grants with rental time for volunteer tools? Yes.

Dave suggested we contact other Regional trails groups to see how they handle damage to volunteer's tools.*Bill, Thad and Dave to look at ways of handling tool liability for next meeting.

Upcoming Festivals:

--Umstead Festival, April 12 - Dan and Joanie Shepard
--Durham Earth Day, April 26 - Cotton will work and supply a canopy
--Cary Spring Daze, April 26 - Bill Bussey

Other News:

Fund Raising:
Thad - Need more follow-ups from Newsletters to get member interest. Gail has tri-fold mail outs already printed and ready to get out; just need to be addressed. Dan, Bill and Gail will do.
Other ideas: Car Wash, Cook Books, Split Firewood, Deliver chips and mulch. Work on neighborhood/trail Home Owners Associations. Cotton, Curt and Joanne.

Awareness:
Bill and Dan to work on letter to be sent to Chatham commissioners, "I Want the ATT". Letters to Newspapers about supporting the TRTC also need to be done.
Other Trails to start thinking about and their needs:
Al mentioned "The Plantation Trail", Durham to Lynchburg (Roxboro Trail), "Skewarkee Trail", (Williamston to Roanoke River) and "Panther Creek", (northeast Durham) interest heating up.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15. Several members remained to discuss issues.

Minutes by Cotten Tyler.

President Bill Bussey opened the meeting and introductions were made of the 10 individuals present.

Treasurers Report by Dan Clever:

Durham Open Space Trails to have a check to us by Friday 11 April according to word passed on from Bill Renfrow. 2000, 2001, 2002 IRS forms #990 submitted by Dan Clever. New membership fees of $300 received.

ATT Workday Reports:

Phase E - Problem with getting a chipper. April 12 & 19 scheduled for chipping work days. Both Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects signed off on by Occoneechee Council for projects on ATT.

Herndon Park Trailhead Letter:

Beth Timson has proposed to use property on SW side of Scott King and ATT for equestrian parking. The space should provide room for 3-4 trailers. Need to send letter to Beth to show our disappointment for lack of funding for equestrian use and other trail use. Like to see parking lot across street on north side of Scott King. Request a meeting for planning what needs are. Meeting with Beth Timson concerning who wants or needs to do what. Beth says this is a city project and doesn't want our help at this time. Wants this project to be a part of 2004 budget. Like to see "E" Phase completed by end of summer.

National Trails Day: (June 7, '03) "Healthy Trails - Healthy People" to be used on the promotional posters this year. Have East Coast Greenway and Dunn-Erwin Trail info. available. TRTC will have a Workday for this day. We'll meet at Scott King Road at 9:00am. Durham Open Space and Trails also planning something for Trails day. Can't do anything (work) on the Durham ATT sections already open. Dedication for Sandy Creek Trail will take place. Wake not planning any ATT events since Phase A construction won't be done by then.

Festivals/Events:

April 12 - Umstead - Booth #6 at Umstead Park
April 26 - Durham Earth Day - Bill Bussey and Cotten Tyler, Old Durham Athletic Park. Noon to 5pm.
Eno Festival - July 4-6. Look into TRTC doing a joint entry with Umstead Coalition - Joan Shepherd and possibly DOST.
DENR Conference at Raleigh Convention Center set for April 16-17. A State-Wide Conference with all private and public environmental groups. Trying to put everyone together and to work together. TRTC will partner with NCRT at their booth.

Other News:

Old Oxford Trail--there is interest in selling this corridor by the railroad.
On Stewardship - Thad suggested we need to start thinking about our longer term role in trail development and maintenance. Thad, Bill, Frank and Cotten agreed to serve as a Steering Committee to look at ideas on our directions such as where to focus our efforts and what equipment to invest in.
Chatham County - Discussion about recent Chatham County Commissioners meeting where meeting notes indicate they said " Parks and Rec Dept. can't pursue any grants for trails that would require any county matching funds ". Al Capehart and Bill Bussey to make telephone calls and discuss this issue with County Mgr. and determine if this was actually decided or was just a strong comment and thus not yet a policy. Chatham County does have a scheme whereby funds from new building fees are collected and allocated within districts in the County. Thad noted that at some point these 'pay as you go funds' may be a source of funds for the Chatham bridges.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25pm

Meeting notes by Cotten Tyler

President Bill Bussey called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.

Present: Bill Bussey, Betsy Howard, Dan Clever, Dave Connelly, Curt Devereux, Cotten Tyler, Gail Austin Curry, Guillo Rodriguez, Keecia James, Claire Micia, Sharon Peterson, Joanie Shepherd, Frank Bennett

Treasurer’s Report:

Dan Clever reported that a reimbursement check had been received from Durham and that all accounts were now back in “positive numbers”.

ATT Workdays Report:

Bill Bussey reported that the chipping on 3 and 4 May 2003 had completed the area from Scott King Road northward to the Corps Boundary. All that is left is South of Scott King Road. Next task is mowing, which will be needed about three times per year. The Boy Scouts are raising funds for their projects and will be working soon on the kiosk and the fencing.

Chancellor’s Ridge Parking Lot:

Bill announced that our grant re-application was turned down for this year, but it looks hopeful for next year; we will need a NEPA review for the lot. Volunteers are needed to finish the clearing and to haul trash to the dump in small loads.

National Trails Day (7 June 2003) Activities:
On the ATT: we will have our Regular Workday at Scott King Road on Saturday, 7 June. There will be a Special Clean-up Event at 4:00 pm on Friday, 6 June, on a part of the ATT south of Dunhill Drive, near the Kroger Center, at 6115 Fayetteville St. Planned activities include mowing, trimming, and refreshments. Contact Bill Bussey to RSVP.

Other Events:
Umstead Festival: Bill Bussey, Dan Clever and Frank Bennett manned the TRTC booth.

Durham Earthday: Cotton Tyler, Keecia James and Bill Bussey manned the TRTC booth.

Eno Festival: The possibility of a joint DOST/DPR and TRTC booth will be explored.

Other Items:

It was announced that the Tarwheels are conducting Monday evening rides on the asphalt sections of the ATT at 6:00 pm starting at the Kroger parking lot near the ATT.

Al Capehart reported that he had talked to Chatham County staff about the need for a lease/license from the Corps of Engineers in addition to the lease from the NCDOT. Chatham’s County Attorney is also working on this item.

Al Capehart also spoke of the need for letters of support for H.1230 (NC House) that would allow the NCDOT to lease ANY rail corridor owned by the State to units of Local Government, not just those owned in Fee Simple.

Bill Bussey announced that Kevin Porter (a bicycle messenger from Boston) would leave Key West on 16 May 2003, heading north following the route of the East Coast Greenway and is scheduled to be in Washington DC on 5 June 2003 for a Greenway publicity event. He is expected to ride through the Triangle area around May 30 or 31.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Frank Bennett, TRTC

President Bill Bussey called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.

Present: Bill Bussey, Dan Clever, Dave Connelly, Curt Devereux, Cotten Tyler, Thad Howard, David Sharpe, Leslie Kennedy, Joanie Shepherd, Al Capehart, Frank Bennett

Treasurer's Report:

Dan Clever reported that we had positive numbers in all accounts. He also said that a letter of explanation had been sent to the IRS regarding the proposed fine related to our failure to file required Form 990 reports on grant income received in 2000 and 2001.

ATT Workdays Report: Thad Howard said that the plans for the next workday on the trail include moving gravel, moving mulch, and chipping. He also reported that the Boy Scouts are raising funds for their projects and will be working soon on the fencing and the kiosk.

National Trails Day (7 June 2003) Activities:

On the ATT: we will have our Regular Workday at Scott King Road on Saturday, 7 June.
There will be a Special Clean-up Event at 4:00 pm on Friday, 6 June, on a part of the ATT south of Dunhill Drive, near the Kroger Center, at 6115 Fayetteville St. Planned activities include mowing, trimming, and refreshments. Contact Bill Bussey to RSVP.

Future Events:  Festival for the Eno - The plans are for the TRTC to share the DOST/DPR booth.

Other Items:

H.1230 - a Bill to allow NCDOT to sign lease agreements for railroad corridors where the State has less than 100% Fee Simple ownership - it was reported that the NCDOT is against the bill because they think it would lead to more lawsuits from adjacent landowners. A hearing of the House Transportation Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 June 2003 in Raleigh. NC Rails-to-Trails helped draft this bill. Al Capehart will attend.

Thad Howard spoke of the NC Moving Ahead! Program. This is an initiative by the Governor for special transportation funding. This DOT program includes improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the state. Thad reported that towns all across the state have added greenways and sidewalk improvements as a result of the new funding. Thad noted that the Durham and Chatham sections of the ATT could receive funds under this program from the State's funding for urban "Loops". Cities may object to diversion of these Loop funds from roads.

Bill Bussey asked for additional comments about the new ATT map - there was general discussion of the draft example.

Wake County news - the formal Grand Opening for the new portion is currently scheduled for Saturday, 23 Aug 2003 at the New Hill - Olive Chapel parking lot. However this portion of the trail should be open for regular use by the middle of July.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Frank Bennett, TRTC

President Bill Bussey called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
Present: Bill Bussey, Gail Curry, Steve Lund, Leslie Kennedy, Claire Miller, Guillo Rodriguez, Joanie Shepherd, Frank Bennett

Treasurer's Report:

Bill Bussey said he had talked with Dan Clever, who reported that the IRS said our appeal of the proposed Form 990 sanction was looking good.

ATT Workdays Report:

Frank Bennett reported that drainage improvement work was continuing. He also reported that the Boy Scouts painted the kiosk and installed trash cans at Scott King Road on 5 July 2003 and that the Boy Scouts had also completed the split-rail fencing on the trail north of Scott King Road. There was discussion of posting a large map of the ATT and a "Rules of the Trail" poster on the kiosk, with smaller maps available in a waterproof container.

Other Items:

Bill Bussey mentioned the necessity of TRTC filling the office of Secretary. He will talk to Dave Connelly about remaining in this position.

Steve Lund discussed some ideas about the chainsaw work to be done in Chatham County this fall. He suggested that trees and limbs be cut into easily-moveable sizes and spread along the width of the corridor, thus eliminating the need for most of the chipping. He also suggested that we think about scheduling the 2nd and 4th Saturdays as Chatham Workdays so enough people would be present at any one time.

Status of H.1230 - a Bill to allow NCDOT to sign lease agreements for railroad corridors where the State has less than 100% Fee Simple ownership - Al Capehart and Frank Bennett attended the Hearing of the House Transportation Committee on 4 June 2003 in Raleigh - after the hearing, a substitute bill was sent to the House Appropriations Sub-committee on Transportation, where it will be considered in May 2004.

Bill Bussey asked for additional comments about the new ATT map - there was general inspection and discussion of the current draft example.

Leslie Kennedy announced that the Annual Meeting of the Wake "People for Parks" organization would be held 21 July 2003 at the Museum of Natural History in Raleigh.

Wake County ATT news - the Grand Opening for the new portion is currently scheduled for Saturday, 23 Aug 2003 at the New Hill - Olive Chapel parking lot.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Frank Bennett, TRTC

President Bill Bussey called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
Present: Bill Bussey, Dan Clever, Gail Curry, Curt Devereux, Thad Howard, Leslie Kennedy, Matt Lavoie, David Sharpe, Carolyn Townsend, Cotton Tyler, Frank Bennett

Treasurer's Report:

Dan Clever reported that memberships are still coming in and that the IRS had officially notified the TRTC that the proposed fine was abated. There was discussion about ordering more t-shirts.

ATT Workdays Report

Thad Howard reported that he wanted to reserve $3000 - $4000 for bridge construction at the parking lot. He also said that we need to prepare ourselves for the continuation of maintenance on the three-mile Massey Chapel Road-to-Northeast Creek section for a couple of more years. City staff have indicated that Durham will probably not be in a position to take it over for at least 2 years. A related issue is whether Durham may be willing to loan TRTC any equipment for trail maintenance in the future. There was general discussion of long-term prospects of one or more Neighborhood Associations helping with the maintenance and the NCRT applying for a DOST grant. There was also discussion of what to post on the Kiosk at Scott King Road and discussion of the property at Fayetteville Road and Hwy 54 cleanup and perhaps a pavillion. Bill/Cotton/Dan/Matt voluntered to form a Kiosk Information Posting Committee.

Election of Secretary

Bill Bussey said that Dave Connelly had agreed to serve the remainder of this year (until 2/04) as TRTC Secretary. The Board elected Dave to serve out this term.

Chatham County Report

Bill Bussey said that the agreement between the Corps of Engineers and Chatham County was ready for approval by the County Commissioners at their 18 August 2003 meeting. There was general discussion of liability and reaction of the Commissioners to wording of the Corps Agreement. The Corps likes the way Wake County did fencing and will require Chatham County to do their fencing the same way. Congressman Price's attempts to secure new federal funding to develop the Chatham section (and the southern end of the Durham section) were not sucessful. Bill will talk to him concerning other efforts.

Wake County Report

Everyone was reminded of the Dedication and Official Opening of the newly completed Wake County section of the ATT on 23 August 2003 at the New Hill-Olive Chapel parking lot. Leslie Kennedy invited everyone over to her house for a covered dish picnic after the Dedication.

Other Items:

• Carolyn Townsend reported that H.1230 is in committee and next action will be during the May 2004 session of the State Legislature.
• There was discussion of the renewal of TRTC's Liability Insurance policy for the next year. Bill Bussey will handle the renewal.
• Funding of the bridge over I-40 was discussed, with a suggestion of the possibility of a portion of the money coming from developers. Activity is frozen for now – it will be re-started in the Fall.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Minutes submitted by Frank Bennett, TRTC