Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on February 13, 2007
at Charlmont Restaurant, Vermont

Committee Members: Alan Spitzer, Laird MacDowell, Chair
Zeke Zucker, Vice Chair & Acting Secretary
Sharon Ahearn, Chip Sawyer

Other Attendees: Bryant Watson, VAST Exec. Dir.
Jim Hill, VAST V.P., Alan Robertson, Project Mgr.

Guests: Bill Bartlett, Friends Ken Hoeppner

The meeting was called to order at 6:41 p.m. by Laird MacDowell

First Order of Business:
Due to Bill Bartlett's presence and his need to get to another meeting, it was decided to turn immediately to discussion of the Landowner Letter optout statement. Bill's stated position is that the Friends Committee wishes the E-mail addresses and phone numbers to be shared, whereas the LVRTC had previously declared that they would not.

It was therefore proposed that the statement read as follows: "The information will not be shared with any organization not related to the LVRTC." Chip suggested eliminating the word 'share' and say "The information will only be used for the purpose of developing the LVRT."
He further stressed that the priority should involve getting the letter out with some manner of statement.
Bill reinforced the importance of giving ourselves time to work out how to share information and to more specifically clarify the relationship between the LVRTC and the Friends.
Chip moved that last month's statement be revoked, the check box be removed and the new language added. It was moved, seconded and passed.

Related Item: Envelope Stuffing:
Bryant said that it could probably happen about the last week in February. It was decided that it would be done at the VAST Office, at 7:00 p.m. on Weds. February 27th.

Secretary's Report: The secretary's report for January's meeting, as originally submitted, was unanimously accepted.

Financial Report:
Laird reported expenditures of $2,513 on mileage claims and $742 on mapping CD's for Orthos photos of the entire length of the corridor.
Ending balance was $21,707.

Bryant Watson's Report:
• He stated that most of his items were already covered so he deferred to Alan. He, however, reported that the changeover to the redesigned website would probably be complete within two weeks. It would be the same information but a different format.

Alan Robertson's Project Engineering Report:
• Assessment is complete except the maps.
• Trail overview probably in about one week
• Bridgework info available in about a week
• He's working on the Needs Statement, which is required be AOT for a Local Transportation Facilities (LTF) Project. This leads to an Alternative Description and eventually public hearings and then referral to a consultant regarding the trail construction.
• Larry Donna, the Real Property Specialist at AOT, has given us all encroachments and parcels the state owns along the corridor.
• The Trail Maintenance Schedule will be intensive for the first two years and will NOT include any use of herbicides.
• A grant request has been submitted for initial work to be done by the VYCC
• Alan is working on hiring an A.E. firm(s) as consultants
• He had a meeting with the VTrans Environmental Section Chief regarding the cleaning of ditches and culverts. He pointed out that the corridor has been a convenient 'hiding point' and that we should not be involved in solving the state's environmental problems.
• He envisions as many as 15 - 20 construction projects in many phases
• On April 9th he will talk to the Environmental Government Entities luncheon
• He stressed that this project is not controversial and that it is clearly not an Act 250 matter. It is simply repair and maintenance of a railroad ROW.

Chip Sawyer's LAC Report:
* The LAC is seeking advice on public involvement
* At the 2/5'2008 LAC meeting it passed two resolutions:
1. That a public input phase be included during the development of the purpose & needs statement. Public needs input
2. That one meeting/hearing be held in each region along the corridor for the proposed Alternatives Presentation Meeting and not through VIT.

• Plans to be written: Management, Design and Development
• Brought up question of mileage reimbursement for LAC and Sub Committee members for meeting attendance.

Sharon Ahearn's Friends Update:
• They will be holding a one-day retreat to set up sub committees and chairs
• Identified the need for them to merge with us on committees, because there are members who would like to be on our committees
• Discussion of Friends-sponsored day on the trail on March 8th

Old Business:
• It was suggested that due to the low number of members in attendance that the filling of sub committees be postponed until the March Meeting. This was moved, seconded and passed

• Complaint response format. Was pointed out that there is still a need for receipt verification and that there is discussion of the complaint form on the website
- The motion was made that a complainant be given the choice of the mode of receipt acknowledgement. It was seconded and passed.

New Business:
• Capital campaign management offer
- Ken Hoeppner gave his basic ideas, background and offer to head up the fundraising effort. Due to the late hour, further discussion of his offer was postponed until the March meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on October 10, 2007
at Hilary's Restaurant, Vermont

Attending Committee Members: Dan Zucker (acting secretary), Ken Hoeppner, Dan Favreau, Mike O'Hara, Dan Hale, Julius 'Red' Goodman, Laird MacDowell.
Others attending: Bryant Watson, Exec. Director of VAST, Pat Poulin, President of VAST, Jim Hill, VP of VAST.
Guests Present: Dan Peterson, Todd Sumner

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Laird MacDowell, Treasurer, as Acting Chair in the absence of a Chair (unappointed at this time) or Vice Chair (absent).
Financial Report:
Laird reported expenditures of $15,676.39 with a balance (as of 9/30) of $11,536.84. The expenditures included approx. $10k for excavating and $4k for removal of beaver ponds. Dan F. moved to accept report, seconded by Mike O., unanimous approval.
Byrant Watson's Report:
Description and discussion of:
o outcome of debrushing/scarifying surface, washout repair, root removal and the possible future surface treatment including materials to be tested.
o A new hire at VAST (Jessica Leech) who has extensive recreation management and GIS experience.
o Chip's LAC/LVRT/VAST complaint protocol and the interim management plan with revisions (distributed here but discussed later under 'old business').
o Barry Cahoun is out on extended medical leave (reason unknown)
o Bridge 49 has been determined to be of no historical significance and ready for removal/replacement.
o Extension to interim mgmt plan due date (asked by Laird). Bryant tabled until 'new business'.
Project Engineer's Report:
Alan R. was not present. Bryant reported that the field work for the assessment is completed and on Alan's return, the GIS data, mapping, analysis, etc. will be finished, possibly within three months - at which point
engineering RFQ's can be issued.
LAC Report:
Chip S. was not present. LAC/LVRT/VAST complaint protocol (final draft version) was distributed by Bryant in his report.
Law Enforcement Committee Report:
Dan H. related Franklin County's (Sheriff) & VASA's progress on preventing ATV use of trail. Focus is on education programs to middle-school children. Dan H. reported that he has arranged a meeting on October 22nd at the Police Barracks (VT State) to brainstorm public education programs. VASA has made the commitment to work on education. In reply to "Red", Dan H. reported that it was premature for the LVRTC to be involved. Discussion ensued about ATV culture in Franklin County. Dan H. reported that the state now has an ATV safety course online, which he deemed nearly totally ineffective.
Fundraising Committee:
Ken reported on Lauren Moye's presentation on fundraising. Discussion ensued on the following issues:
o Ken related that a major take-away was the need for a dedicated employee/contractor for fundraising.
o Fundraising efforts will require a leadership role with 'passion' to drive the process.
o Once assessment is completed we will be closer to the 'number' for a fundraising campaign.
o Ongoing maintenance will require ongoing fundraising.
o Discussion included suggestion that cost of construction could run approx. $20k/mile. Dan Peterson reported that in his experience such projects run closer to $44k/mile. Bryant reported that his number came from an estimate by Kirk Fen off of Danville and did not include bridges or special surface treatment beyond that considered (waiting on assessment), crossings, signage, etc..
o More trail maintenance issues were discussed w/out reference to Fundraising.
o Peterson reported (in reply to Ken H.) that grant funds from the state were waiting f or the federal categorical exclusion and other permitting requirements.
o Bryant reported that the surface material was the biggest unknown cost.
o Bryant reported that VAST has a grant proposal to the VYCC on trail construction. Also that the dept. of corrections can provide labor at low cost. "Red" reminded the group of the availability of the "Friends of the LVRT" for volunteer labor.
Landowner Issues: (under 'new business')
Web Development Committee Report:
"Red" reported that J. McCann was in the middle of selling her house and was almost done. He would follow up. Bryant reported that VAST is dramatically upgrading their site to include a content management system. "Red" asked if anyone was experiencing email problems with the addresses provided on the site. Nobody reported problems.
Legislative Liason Report:
Pat P. suggested having a committee liason that was not a VAST executive. Discussion ensued about need for professional lobbyist. Consensus was that it may be a necessary evil. No action was taken. Mike moved that lobbyist issue be kept on old business. Dan F. seconded - motion was passed.
Maintenance Report:
No report.
Complaint Protocol Report:
No report.
Old Business:
o Abutting Landowner database: Bryant reported that the LAC offered initial landowner database. Ken reported that the friends and the LAC would collaborate on building 'clean' initial db.
o Interim Mgmt Plan: committee approved all changes on draft dated 10/10/07 as follows:
o P. 5, moved by Dan H., Seconded by Mike O, passed unanimously.
o P. 6, moved by Ken H., seconded by Dan H., passed with one vote in the negative.
o P. 25, moved by Ken H, seconded by Dan H.
New Business:
o Continued discussion about assessment in order to put together final Development and Management Plan.
o New committee members: committee agreed to invite Steve Larrabee to next meeting (he has expressed sincere interest in project and was recommended by Bryant).
o Dan H. moved Laird to be interim Chair, seconded by Mike O., unanimous approval.
o Dan F. moved to adjourn, etc.

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on May 9, 2007
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attending: Zeke Zucker, Vice Chairman; Julius Goodman, Danny Hale, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Margaret Bowen, Ken Hoeppner Others present, Bryant Watson ED, Pat Poulin VP of Vast and Starr Poulin; Chip Sawyer of LAC, Alan Robertson, Project Manager, Ethan Ready of Sanders' office; Pauline Favreau. Absent were Mike O'Hara, Ted Chase and Dan Zucker. Guests were Dan Petterson and Al Neveau , AOT representatives.

The meeting was called to order by Zeke Zucker, Vice Chairman.

Introduction of members and guests took place.

Secretary Minutes - Motion was made seconded and voted to approve the corrected minutes for March 14, 2007 and April 11, 2007.

Financial Report - Pat Poulin will set up with Vast Executive Secretary to have reports sent to Laird McDowell in the future.

Bryant Watson's Report: Presently he is collecting materials for the Cooperative Agreement. It was indicated the same is about two weeks out. It is reported that the Federal money is set. Rates have been submitted to the federal highway agency for approval. The engineer efforts will begin on 5/10/07 beginning in St. Johnsbury.

Interim Management Plan - there are still issues which need to be addressed and approved in the near future: a. adjacent landowner to the committee; b. Procedure on how to deal with future landowner complaints; c. Interim agreement also calls for the development and maintenance plan be established.
It was noted that there is a procedure outlined in the present management plan. A sub-committee was established with Zeke Zucker, Ken Hoeppner, Chip Sawyer of LAC and Ethan Ready to work on this.

Alan Robertson's Report: He is still looking for a group of volunteers who know various sections of the LVRR and can be available to walk him through the areas. It was noted that ANR - Barry Cahoon is still moving forward with lower the rail bed in various areas in Franklin and Lamoille Counties. A Structural Engineer is on board from Alan's old firm. The assessment of the LVRR bed will begin this week.

Capital Campaign - Matching Funds: Ken Hoeppner proceeded with the assessment questionnaire and the results are that we need to work on this fund raising on a more aggressive schedule. Ken Hoeppner gave the committee a run down on information he had found regarding how to begin a capital campaign and Dumont Associates gives a free seminar and Ken felt that it would be beneficial for the committee to participate in the same. Motion was made, seconded and voted to set up the Seminar.

Chip Sawyer of LAC Report: He noted that there was a list of issues from LAC to our committee: a. Website - information is missing; b. Data base of our contact people and adjacent landowners list; c. Inquiry of official status of trail (need venue to present information); d. Publicity plans; e. clarify role of LAC and f. Interim approval from VTrans of timeline. Three major issues they feel are important are Development Plan, Maintenance Plan and LVRR Landowner location and information development.

It was noted that our committee needs a list of people and contact information that make up the LAC.

Business Cards - in production and hope to be available at next meeting.

Old Business: Trail guides for Alan Robertson's assessment
New Business: Mount Vernon Street Crossing discussed

There being no further business, upon motion made, seconded and voted the meeting adjourned.
M. L. Bowen, Secretary

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on April 11, 2007
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attending: Ted Chase, Chairman, Julius Goodman, Danny Hale, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Zeke Zucker, and Margaret Bowen. Others, Bryant Watson, ED and Pat Poulin, VP of Vast, Starr Poulin, Carmen Calkins, and Gene Bowen. LAC Members in attendance Patti Coultas, Bill Rose, Cynthia Scott and Greg Kneeland. Absent were Dan Zucker, Ken Hoeppner, Alan Robertson and Mike O'Hara.

The meeting was called to order by Ted Chase, Chairman.

Secretary's Minutes - March 14 2007 minutes - changes were made as follows: Laird McDowell elected as "interim" financial officer, and correction under Web site, voted to "pursue the name of LVRT.org". .Motion was made seconded and voted to approve the minutes of March 14, 2007 with amendments. The approved minutes to be sent to Tjark at the Vast Office for putting on the web site.

Financial Report - Laird McDowell, interim financial officers gave a brief financial report on the line item in the VAST Budget. Discussion took place on the same between committee members and Bryant. Motion was made, seconded and voted to accept the financial report.

LAC Members - introductions of LAC members in attendance and others present at the meeting.

Bryant Watson's Report:
· VTrans has received approval of the project
· Work will begin on the Cooperative Agreement
· Assessment of the Rail Bed with our Engineer doing field work
· Many documents available at this time from VTrans and Studies done on the RR Bed
· Design a form for volunteers and paid employees to use toward matching funds
· Vast in kind work/donated volunteer time/cash match is approximately $1,400,000.00
· Presently we are working under a 6 month Interim Management Plan with five months to go, so we will need to begin a proactive approach to begin getting that document into final form
· Act 250 hearing on Barry Cahoon's Flood Plan Restoration project had only one landowner and Vast at the hearing, and storage of fill was the only issue
· A brief description of Barry Cahoon's Project/ANR Rivers and Stream Alteration 15 projects along the LVRR was done for the benefit of the LAC members in attendance

LAC Report - Bill Rose reported that the LAC Committee has established interim bylaws. Officers appointed were Chip Sawyer as Chairman, Bill Rose as Vice-Chair and Cynthia Scott as Secretary. It was asked whether or not our committee could get a copy of the full information on the members of their committee with contact information.

Web Site: LVRT.org Red Goodman to get in touch with Tjark at the VAST office before he leaves for his new job. Bryant noted the hosting fees have been paid.

Friends of the LVRR - Brief discussion took place about the group and what their agenda is at this time.

Engineer's Request- Alan Robertson needs to develop a list of names of people along the LVRR Bed who know the area and can help him identify the areas which need work so that he does not have to look at the whole area in making a determination of what is needed. Bryant reported that they hope to be on the bed the first week in May if not before to start the work. Those signed up from our meeting, Dan Hale - Wolcott to Walden; Greg Kneeland - Johnson to Cambridge; Daniel Favreau - Sheldon to Swanton.

Next Meeting - May 9, 2007 at 6:30 PM @ Hillary's in Morrisville.

Agenda for May 9, 2007 Meeting:

Opening of meeting and introduction of guests
Secretary's Report
Financial Report
Bryant Watson's Report - Update on VTrans Issues
Alan Robertson, PE - update of Required Trail Documentation and work to be done
Web Site/Membership Cards update
Assessment questioner - Ken Hoeppner
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment

Any other items of discussion to be added prior to moving forward with meeting.

Margaret L. Bowen, Secretary

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on March 14, 2007
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attending: Ted Chase, Chairman, Julius Goodman, Mike O'Hara, Danny Hale, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Zeke Zucker, Ken Hoeppner, Dan Zucker, and Margaret Bowen. Others, Alan Robertson, PE and Gene Bowen. There were no representatives of the Regional Planning Commissions; Bryant Watson, and Pat Poulin were also absent.

The meeting was called to order by Ted Chase, Chairman.

Secretary's Minutes - Motion was made seconded and voted to approve the minutes of January 10, 2007, and Motion was made, seconded and voted to approve the minutes of February 20, 2007. The approved minutes to be sent to Tjark at the Vast Office for putting on the web site.

Financial Report - Ted Chase gave a brief report of the LVRTC Line item in the Vast Budget.

Financial Officer - Motion was made, seconded and voted to appoint Laird McDowell as the interim financial Officer and his selection will be forwarded to the VAST Board of Directors for approval and ratification. It was noted that Alan Robertson will ask VTrans what level of record keeping is required as the construction period begins.

Management Plan - Sam Lewis of VTrans reported that the 3/6/07 version of the Interim Management Plan has been approved for a six month period. There was a change with respect to alternative law enforcement on weekends by VT Fish and Wildlife.

Joint Meeting with LAC Committee - now with the Interim Management Plan approved it was noted that we need to set up a meeting with the LAC Committee to discuss the status of their committee and when we can expect the 11th member to fill the seat on our committee. Motion was made, seconded and voted to invite the LAC Committee to our meeting to be held on April 11, 2007, for a status report, a copy of their organization plan and what they have available for resources to help with the future documentation submissions.

Web site - Motion was made, seconded and voted to pursue the name of LVRT.org and get the site up and running.

Future Fund Raising - Ken Hoeppner gave us a preview of the research he has been doing on how to raise money for matching funds for this project. He is going to put together a questionnaire for the next meeting for the committee members to do a self assessment.

He also said as an officer of Friends of the LVRR that their organization wants to make this project happen, is very supportive and wants to move forward. He felt that it is important to get some segments built this year so that some progress will be evident the project is moving forward. They are prepared to help the committee.

Alan Robertson, PE Report - gave us view of what will be needed in the coming months to get the necessary information reviewed, compiled and prepared for the required documentation:
· He envisions a simple trail
· He needs to have the Edwards & Kelsey Report
· Trail to be built to state standards for a multi use trail 12 feet to 14 feet wide
· Without guardrails and fencing (except where required for cattle)
· A plan to keep the growth down or kill it
· Develop a scope of work
· Develop the environmental and categorical exclusion paperwork
· Assign sections of the trail to be done for clearing and cutting
· Possible locations for Parking Lots and Trail Head Parking
· List of interest areas
· Truck/Construction access to rail bed
· Identify areas of work needed
· Locate and Identify structures - culverts which need cleaning
· Develop and find a supply for Uniform Traffic Signs for Trails
· Develop type of Bollard to be used and where needed
· Develop a mile marker to be used along the trail
· Develop a process or plan to minimize vandalism of signs and trail improvements
· Review the use of a bridge verses refilling and using existing rail structures
· Checking of businesses etc along the pathway
· A list of people from each area along the rail bed, who know the area, the adjoining landowners and where the culverts, bridges etc. along the way are located and who will step up and help

Alan will keep in touch with committee members who have the time to help him. Dan Hale is available.
Peggy will provide Alan with the information she and Sandy Woodbeck have or developed in their work along the old rail bed several years ago.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, motion was made, seconded and voted to adjourn.

Margaret L. Bowen, Secretary

Items place on next month's agenda during meeting:
Opening of meeting and introduction of guests
Secretary's Report
Financial Report
Bryant Watson - Update on VTrans Documentation (Cooperative Agreement)
Alan Robertson, PE - Update of Required Trail Documentation
Joint Meeting with LAC Committee
Status of committee formation
Organization Plan
Status of LAC Representation member on our committee
Resources available to help with trail documentation by engineer
Status of Web Site/ Membership Cards
Ken Hoeppner - Assessment questioner
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment

Any other items of discussion to be added prior to moving forward with meeting.

LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on February 20, 2007
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attending: Ted Chase, Chairman, Julius Goodman, Mike O'Hara, Danny Hale, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Margaret Bowen, Ken Hoeppner, and Dan Zucker. Others Bryant Watson, ED of VAST, Pat Poulin, VP of VAST and wife Starr, Gene Bowen, Barry Cahoon and Stacy Palmer. Guests - Friends of the LVRR included Laura Ruggles, Bill Bartlett, Heidi Krantz, Leon Whitcomb, Cindy Lyon Hill, Roger Damon and David Fellow.

Presentation of the Vermont Rivers Program - was conducted by Barry Cahoon and Stacy Palmer. This included a detailed slide show of what has already been done in lowing portions of the LVRR and areas which will be done over the next three years. It was noted that there are 15 sites, 5 to be done each year for a total of approximately 6 miles to be taken out at the present level and lowered to allow water to flow over the rail bed. The state has been getting landowner permission, has filed ACT 250 application to do the work and being funded by a Federal Program.

Posting of established meeting dates on the website - Peggy was asked to provide the Vast News Editor a notice of the meeting date, place and time and if possible a list of future meetings to be posted on the website link by Tjark. She indicated she would send out copies to all the committee members to mark their calendars for the next six months.

Management Plan Revisions - Bryant Watson passed out the January 29, 2007 version of the Interim Management Plan proposed revisions outline in green.

There was concern with respect to the long list of proposed changes coming forth from VTrans continually. It was noted that this committee is to manage a rail trail, adding two additional ex-officio members to the committee is not productive at this time.

After reviewing the proposed changes by the LVRTC throughout the document Bryant was asked to change the word contiguous in the third paragraph, Page 15 of the document to something else.

Motion was made and seconded to approve the changes as reviewed in the Interim Management Plan dated January 29, 2007.

Motion was made, seconded to amend the Interim Management Plan and to strike the first two bullets on Page 6, in first paragraph beginning with the first bullet relative to LAC member and the second bullet dealing with VTrans member and Landowner member. And, to replace both bullets with this sentence" The LAC shall select, by majority vote, one individual on an annual basis." The motion to amend passed.

Therefore the original motion with the amendment was voted on by members of the LVRTC and passed as amended.

Bryant was instructed to bring this decision to the Vast Board of Directors' meeting as voted. Discussion took place as to whether or not this decision would be a show stopper to progress on moving forward.

A second motion was made and seconded, the LVRTC give the Vast Board of Directors, if the Vast Board feels our previous action will hinder the process from moving forward, the authorization to approve the Interim Management Plan as presented on January 29, 2007 in its original presentation state with the inclusion of the two bullets on Page 6 as printed. This motion passed.

Should the Board of Directors move back to approve the original plan, we would like to hear back from them as to the reasons to reconsider this issue and to come back to us with recommendations it will work.

Project Manager and Staff Engineer - the committee was presented with the resume of Alan M. Robertson, of Sheffield, Vermont. Members of the committee, who had met with Robertson, gave a brief report. Motion was made, and seconded to appoint Alan M. Robertson as project manager and staff engineer. Motion passed.

M. L. Bowen, Secretary Next meeting 3/14/07 @ 6:30 PM Morrisville.

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on January 10, 2007
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attending: Ted chase, Chairman, Julius Goodman, Mike O'Hara, Danny Hale, Dan Zucker, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Margaret Bowen, Zeke Zucker, and Ken Hoeppner. Others Bryant Watson , ED of VAST, Pat Poulin, VP of VAST and wife Starr, Gene Bowen, and Ethan Ready of Senator Bernie Sanders Office.

Meeting was called to order by Ted Chase.

Ethan Ready indicated that Bernie Sanders is very interested in outdoor recreation, sportsman's issues and it is his job to keep abreast of what is happening in Vermont. He indicated if there was anything their office could do to help this project moving forward to let them know.

Cooperative Agreement: Bryant Watson had a meeting with Dan Petterson regarding this document.

Funding Match: Bryant Watson gave a run down of the issues pending, documentation required, and what will count towards the federal and state match from Vast.

Flood Plan Issue: At least eight projects along the rail bed are planned for work during the coming months to correct issues of flooding. At our next meeting we are asking Barry Cahoon to come and discuss the future work being done by the Agency of Natural Resources. One such project has already been completed in the Wolcott area.

Motion was made, seconded and voted to invite Barry Cahoon to our next meeting.

Assessments on Bridges: It was noted that VTrans will be doing an assessment on the rail bridges along the LVRR next summer. There will be a report issued to review.

Management Plan: VTrans indicated it will take an additional four weeks to complete their review of the final draft. There was also an issue of where we should start work on the rail bed.

The LVRTC non- motorized members strongly support that the first priority is to move forward with the repair and restoration, as it is important to restore the integrity of the rail bed first. There are issues with clogged culverts, missing sections, continuing washouts and areas that have to be stabilized in order to keep this asset from further destruction by nature. Once those issues are addressed, then and at that time we can determine where actual pathway construction begins.

Engineering: Vast has two engineers who are willing to work with the staff at VAST.

Categorical Exclusion: requires that professionals are hired to address historical features, wetlands and environmental issues.

Original RFP: filed by Vast indicated a simple country style multi-use pathway for over 96 miles, which had not been built as such in the past. This was reviewed and accepted by the various review processes at the time over rail, and now we find that federal regulations, state regulations and new construction requirements are turning this project into the state of the art multi-use trail.

Regional Planning Commissions: It was noted that there needs to be a consistent representation from one of the regional planning commissions at our meetings and bringing the LTC to completion and on board. Ted Chase was instructed to write a letter to all three regarding the issue of the LTC.

Minutes of Meetings: Motion was made, seconded and voted to approve the December 10, 2006 minutes. Motion was also made, seconded and voted to review and approve all minutes at each meeting and only post approved minutes on the Website.

NEXT MEETING - February 14, 2007 at 6:30 PM in Morrisville @ Hillary'.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, Motion made, seconded and voted to adjourn. Margaret L. Bowen, Secretary

Vast LVRTC Committee Meeting
held on December 13, 2006
in Morrisville, Vermont

Attendance: Ted Chase, Chairman, Julius Goodman, Mike O'Hara, Danny Hale, Dan Zucker, Daniel Favreau, Laird McDowell, Margaret Bowen. Not present Ken Hoeppner and Zeke Zucker and a representative of the regional planning commission.. Others Bryant Watson, ED of VAST, Pat Poulin, VP of VAST and wife, Kenny Gamble Caledonia Director of VAST, Gene Bowen and Chuck Mitchell.

Meeting was called to order by Ted Chase.

Meetings: It was noted that we need to set the meetings on a specific date and time each month. Therefore, the monthly meeting will be held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 6:30 PM at Hillary's in Morrisville, Vermont. If any member cannot make the meeting, please let Ted known by e-mail or a telephone call.

LAC - Regional Planning Commissions need to work on the LAC, then they submitted their information to our committee who will review the same, vote and pass the same onto the Vast Board of Directors.

Agenda items - if anyone has items to add please call or e-mail Ted.

Member Cards and Web Site - Julian Goodman is still working on both. He was in hopes of getting onto the state's web site program, but if not, it was suggested that we get a private provider and when and if the state's web site gets up and running we could transfer. Cost of private site is approximately $10.00 per month. He is to contact the VAST office for billing information. Motion was made, seconded and voted that the LVRTC go with a private web site host and transfer to the state program at a later date.

Publicity, Media and Press Releases - It was suggested that this should be done by one committee member. It was noted that Zeke Zucker had been doing the newsletter and updates to town officials in the past, that we have Zeke continue at this time. It was suggested that through the Web Master site all information could be put out and others linked to the same. At this time we do not have a product to publicize but do have information which can be forth coming such as soft news - minutes of our meeting, press releases quarterly, PR releases on our web site and then forwarded to other entities with regular releases if something happens (such as big wash out).

It was suggested that everyone use a standard response when people want to know what we are doing on the rail bed - "it is a work in progress and we are holding regular monthly meetings to accomplish the same".

Enforcement - steps have been taken to verify if the rail bed is being used illegally and equipment has been installed at various sites that will give enforcement officials information on violations, if any. The three sheriff's departments will be in charge of enforcement - Franklin County, Lamoille County and Caledonia County have been allocated $25,000.00. If they cannot do the job then it will be turned over to the Fish and Wildlife Agency.

Act 250 - Washington County felt that it has jurisdiction. It was noted that properties for rail roads are exempt by Federal Surface Board. The Categorical Exclusion from the Federal Government should take care of any pending matters. Legal status indicates the rail road is rail banked, we are making repairs and not doing any expansion of the facilities. It is being used for transportation purposes and we are obliged to keep the structure in good repair under the Lease Agreement and VTrans is obligated to keep the railroad bed maintained as owners.

Dan Petterson @ VTrans will set down with ATO Attorney to send a response to Ed Stanack of Washington County.

Expending Funds for Material - we will need an engineer on board to approve any bailey bridge material to replace missing bridges before VAST purchases the same, which is available out of state. It was noted that we could use our own money, however it would not count against the match money for the Federal Funding. Improvements will not count on the match before the categorical exclusion is complete and approved.

Also need to have in place a Cooperative Agreement with VTrans to expend any of the Federal Funding through the State of Vermont to VAST.

Part of the Future Process - includes Management Plan, Cooperative Agreement, Categorical Exclusion, Advertising for Engineer Services, and Hiring an Engineer.

Vast Trail Responsibilities on the LVRT - there was a call regarding a breach of trail across from Marty's in Danville and the question was who fixes the same and who pays for the repair. It was suggested that the Protocol would be to contact the VAST office so they can keep track of the problem, keep specific records and approve and keep track of monies spent on repairs. Vast is responsible for maintenance of the rail bed.

Vermont Recreation Trails Grant - is due by January 15, 2007. It was noted that the LVRTC needs to raise funds for the engineering costs match. Alexis has attended the required meeting. 40% of the pot is for multi use and we should put in a grant application. Friends of the LVRTC should help in gathering the necessary support letters and working on the grant as they have wanted to do something. Danny Hale from our committee will be involved and if there is anyone from the Friends who would like to work on same, contact VAST office. Pat Poulin, VP of VAST said he is willing to put the office staff at VAST to work on the grant application. Motion was made, seconded and voted to prepare and submit an application for funding to Vermont Recreation Trails Grant Program.

Comments on the Interim Management Plan - Bryant Watson passed out a packet to each member of the committee which included all the copies of comments received on the interim plan.

Interim Management Plan for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail 12/16/06 - The committee began the item by item, page by page review of the draft as set forth.

Page 4, Section B paragraph 1. first bullet, first sentence "The VAST Board of Directors ….and one individual to represent adjoining landowners. The three Regional Planning Commissions shall nominate the landowner representative and the name shall be forwarded to the VAST Board of Directors no later than October 01 annually; this individual shall represent the position of all adjoining landowners."

The committee responses were not in favor of having the landowner representative come from the motorized users. It was noted that if a landowner was to be represented, he or she would be one of the members representing the non-motorized users.

After much discussion Dan Zucker made the motion to strike the landowner representation part of the paragraph, the was seconded by Mike O'Hara, discussion on the motion - Dan Zucker stated the LVRT Committee is charged with managing the path/trail and to make the best decisions for its material management including engineering, compliance, etc. To that end it is comprised of both motorized and non-motorized users. To better address issues outside of the material management of the path/trail, the LVRT Committee is to be advised by the RPC's and an organizational structure (that they will be responsible for) that is comprised of business interests, landowners, municipalities and the planning commission themselves.

Because the processes of the LVRT Committee are necessarily open to the public for comment and will be reviewed and advised by the VAST Board of Directors, the state and the public, we believe that fact alone will best represent the interests of ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, while in the interest of the efficiency and goals of the LVRT Committee, the current structure is most suitable.

Also expressed by other attendees was the idea that by attempting to make a Committee that was representative of all interested parties regardless of the degree or kind of interest, that it would open the LVRT Committee to divisiveness and conflict which would carry the concerns beyond the immediate need of the material management of the path/trail.

A vote was taken, and the motion to strike the remainder of the sentence regarding the landowner representation passed.

Remainder of the plan was reviewed and discussed. On page 10 there was a brief discussion regarding curfew should be on all or none but no action was taken.

Upon final review Motion was made, seconded and voted the LVRTC approve the 12/16/2006 draft of the Interim Management Plan for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, as amended on Page 4. Vote was unanimous.

NEXT MEETING SCHEDULED: January 10, 2007 @ 6:30 PM and February 14, 2007 @ Hillary's in Morrisville, Vermont.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned.

M. L. Bowen, Secretary