HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-21
Dryden Rail Trail Friends and Task Force
Minutes of the Meeting on Monday, June 21, 2021
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Attendance: Bob Beck, Todd Bittner, Judy Pierpont, Alice Green, Steve Winans, Rose Borzik,
Dan Lamb, Loren Sparling, Diane and Chris Tessaglia Hymes
Call to order at 7:15 pm (late because of internet connectivity issues) – Bob Beck, Alice
Green
Additions to agenda: none
Approval of May minutes was unanimous
Town Highway/DPW work underway at Game Farm – Bob, Dan
Town highway crews have started work on the first trestle restoration in the Game Farm section.
Highway superintendent Rick Young is happy to highlight the work of his crews through photo
documentation, but he has indicated he doesn’t want photographers to get in the way of the
workers. A notice will go out to the media suggesting that they make appointments with DPW
for photo opportunities at the site.
Game Farm Road crossing plan update – John Lampman, Bob
John was unable to join the call, but he has indicated that the crossing plan is almost complete.
John retired after some 30 years as a county bridge engineer. He is preparing the crossing plan
pro bono. He has checked on safety amenities for several comparable trail crossings in the
county.
County Highway Superintendent Jeff Smith requested that the plan be certified by an additional
engineer with certain certifications, employed by an insured engineering firm. There was a
discussion about the urgency of completing the plan so that it can be submitted to the County and
Towns of Ithaca and Dryden as part of the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) proposed
to govern Game Farm Rd crossing safety measures.
Design for directional trail parking signs – Diane
Diane presented preliminary designs for signs that will direct trail users to available parking.
Discussion focused on whether arrows should be placed on the same sign as the DRT logo, and
about placement at various locations.
Route 13 pedestrian bridge update – Dan, Bob, Todd, and Alice
Town Board approval of Alternative 11 and DOT contract
The Town Board voted last Thursday (June 17) to approve the preliminary bridge design
alternative that offers the most direct crossing and lowest cost. The Town also authorized a
contract with the NYS Department of Transportation to manage the process for acquisition of two
small property sections on the east side of the proposed bridge.
Plan for Open House on Wed., June 30, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Neptune Fire Hall
Ray Burger sent press releases to the media, posted to advisory boards, Town website, bulletin
board, notice on Fire Hall LED sign. Erdman Anthony will present prepared visuals. Volunteers
were recruited to staff welcome tables and answer questions from the public. Judy, Bob, Todd,
Alice, and Chris volunteered
US Senate funding request – Dan
A US Senate program has been re-instated, that will enable senators to bring funding to selected
local projects. This is one of many federal funding sources, which Dan will investigate for the
Rail Trail.
Triad Foundation grant application – Bob, Todd
The Triad Foundation of Tompkins County previously made a $15,000 grant for work at the
Game Farm trail section, and encouraged the task force to apply again. The work that the first
grant covered is finally underway, so the timing is right to apply for a second grant. Bob and
Todd will work on making the application,
Next meeting was scheduled for July 19, in person, at the Town DPW building.
Adjournment was at 9:07 pm
Respectfully submitted by Alice Walsh Green