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Members present: Joan Young, Charlotte Holly, Ed Morse, Mary Soule, Romona Venegas, and Ed Chappel. Romona's present intern Kurt (?) also visited for most of the meeting.
Joan passed out copies of the agenda, latest membership list, and the fall issue of the chapter newsletter. Everyone present introduced themselves, briefly. Joan explained the new meeting format and the need for the Executive Committee to meet and make many decisions. General discussion followed.
Char had several comments about "Trail Time" in coming months. In December EMS of Traverse City will present a program. In January the Health Dept will present information about hypothermia. In February there will be discussion on safety on the trail. This is four programs that are not presentations by chapter members. Char also mentioned that EMS of Traverse City will be having a sale on 10/26/00! Joan read the duties of the Chapter Secretary as described in the bylaws - because the new secretary missed the September meeting. Char will not be at the November general meeting. Ed Chappel volunteered to handle Trail Time, for November.
There was brief discussion about problems with property owners adjacent to the trail. Joan asked that this wait until we got there on the agenda.
Ed C. talked about trail responsibilities. He said he will set up a chart of things to be done in different sections of the trail.
There was talk about the need to notify newspapers and radio stations about the chapter and trail activities. We need a specific person (who lives in the area) to make these contacts. Ed suggested than Nancy Chappel may be willing to do this. We also need a list of organizations that might want speakers to talk about our organization and/or the trail.
There was discussion about "Things we'd like to see happen in our tenure". Joan's ideas were listed and she asked each person present for their thoughts.
Romona had further suggestions about the Tool Trailer idea. There was talk and explanations about the wet areas that need trail work, especially Sterling Marsh and the wet areas between 76th & Bowman. Mary suggested combining several projects
Char made a Motion to present 3 projects to the membership:Tool Trailer, Sterling Marsh trailway, Combination of smaller project. This motion was seconded by Mary.
Dedication Ceremony scheduled for 10/14/00.
Joan related that she had contacted several possible guests (both NCTA and NPS staff), but all had schedule conflicts. Romona was asked for other possible names. There was discussion about possible types of plaques to be placed on the board walk. Joan will be away next week, attending a trail conference. Romona will get info about signs & costs from another FS employee to Char. Money from the trail run will pay for the plaque(s). The boardwalk is dedicated in fond memory of Chips, the "hiker pup" and all our four-footed hiking companions. Joan said she would have trouble doing the dedication.
(Understandable to any of us who have lost four-footed friends) Char said she would handle it.
Last item on agenda is Chicago Avenue problem. This concerns a confrontation between a long distance hiker and a landowner along Chicago Avenue. Romona explained that new Carsonite posts and gray diamonds have been placed along Cedar Creek Road and Michigan Avenue to re-route the trail away from the problem until further notice. Joan drew sketches on the board to clarify the problem area. Romona explained possible and ideal solutions. Your secretary asked if anyone has talked directly with the land owner? Joan said no.