HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-21Dryden Rail Trail Friends and Task Force
Monday, December 21, 2020
Attendance: Steve Winans, Alice Green, Bob Beck, Loren Sparling, Susan Ashdown,
John Kiefer, Chris and Diane Tessalia-Hymes, Karl Kolesnikoff, Bruno Schickel, Rose
Borzik, Todd Bittner, Dan Lamb, Judy Pierpont, Milo Richmond, (and two disrupters,
who signed in as “Joe” & “Jim” and were quickly removed).
Call to order – Bob Beck, Alice Green
Additions to agenda: none
Approval of November minutes with no corrections
Success! DEC Concurrent Use & Occupancy Agreement at Game Farm – Dan
The renewable, 20-year agreement (starting September 2020) is getting final
tweaks, Dan reported. Dryden’s lawyer and HR person are going over the insurance
issues. It’s a lengthy MOU. There were some corrections necessary, for example adding
permission for electric-assist bikes. DEC reserved the right to receive and approve
stamped plans for major improvements.
Bruno wanted to make sure the agreement reflects that fact that responsibility for
liability on the bridge repair rests with the Town of Dryden, which it does. Dan assured
the Task Force that DEC Bureau of Wildlife Chief, Jim Farquhar, has pledged to
personally approve the stamped plans for the trestle renovations. Todd suggested that the
agreement should stipulate renewal after 20 years as a default clause, unless either party
wishes to withdraw. This would ensure that it doesn’t expire without anyone paying
attention. The Town will make edits within the next two weeks, and then send them back
to DEC. Bob will contact Kathleen McIsaac of NYS OPRHP to let her know as soon as
the DEC agreement is received back by the Town. This will enable the Task Force to go
forward with the contract for the State Parks EPF grant the trail was awarded in
December 2017.
Report on December 5th Ugly Sweater 5K Run – Alice, Bob
Bob said this very successful event raised $720 for the trail. Alice and Bob
thanked the Friends of the Trail who volunteered to help out at intersections during the
run: Dean “Santa” Russo, Janice and Tony Bretscher, Deb and Steve Siegert. Andrew
Pierce of the Town of Dryden Recreation Department coordinated the event with Willow
Running of Syracuse.
Fox Bridge signs and proposal for Vet College alumni – Bruno, Diane, Bob
Diane drafted some design options and Bob wrote a letter that can be sent to Jerry
Bertoldo who is organizing Vet School alumni to donate toward memorializing the FH
Fox Bridge to the late professor. Bob said he has a quote of several hundred dollars from
Fossil Industries in the Hudson Valley for high quality graphics panel to display info on
Prof. Fox and the bridge. Bruno estimated that the costs of the signs on both sides of the
bridge and nearby would not exceed $5000. Mounting would cost less if on the railings
than on the side of the bridge. He feels ready to send out the letter and proposal.
Diane mentioned that the two options the design committee had been considering
are both being sent to the potential vet school donors. She said the current proposals for
the graphics panel are 2 x 3 feet, but this is very flexible. Could be several smaller signs.
Todd asked where the graphics panel would be mounted. Bob said the idea now is to
place it at western end of the bridge mounted on a post or frame.
Bruno feels that the proposal should be very professional and the vet alum
committee may wish to include other specifics, like lists of donors.
Route 13 bridge project – Grants Subcommittee
Bob announced that there would be an executive session to discuss bridge design
and potential land acquisitions, and options for cost saving measures. Todd added that the
executive session should also include discussion of trail easements in Etna
Next meeting scheduled for Monday January18, 2021 via Zoom.
Recording paused at 7:45 pm for Executive Session
Adjournment at 9: 05 pm