Nickel Plate Trail Minutes from November
Next Meeting January 28, 2024 @ 7PM at the St Charles School in Peru
No meeting in December
November 26, 2024
Attendees: Mike Kuepper, Ted Cox, Bill Click, Steve Gough, Ron Mofield, Doug Martin, Jeff Kassebaum, Dan McCarthy, Jackie McMillen, Shannon Rutkowski, Bill Percy, Donna Percy, Bill Wilson, Gerald Miller, Arelia Miller, Bill Shewman, Dave Campbell, Tim Finster, Gloyd Johnson, Doug Martin, Phil Hart, Tim Geradot, David Cota
Meeting started at 7:01 PM at the old firehouse in Peru.
Cheryl Broyles Explained giving Tuesday to the gathering. At Miami County donations can be made 10:00 AM-3:00 PM at 225 E Riverside Dr, Peru, In. Food is served. She informed us on how the matching funds are distributed, and how to donate.
Steve motioned to approve the August minutes Ron 2nd. Motion Passed.
Steve gave the financial report for maintenance on the NPT. $2,185 in donations. Expenses were $615.19 for gas, materials, and miscellaneous. YTD income is $37568.16, YTD expenses are $29186.54.
Dan motioned to approve the treasurer's report, Ron 2nd, motion passed.
Bill Click reported on moving our equipment to the Tim Finster location. Bill reported that Mike has a bicycle repair stand that needs to be installed at the Arby’s location in Peru. Jeff discussed that since we now have a temporary place to store equipment, we can now slow down on where and when to build our own building.
Dan reported on the extension of the trail in Rochester. It will hook onto the Rochester Pathway.
Mike and Ron attended the Indiana Trails Meeting. It was interesting that the demographics of the group are pretty much the same as the NPT volunteers. A question that was asked was, “is anyone pushing for maintenance from the state?” A bill has been passed in the Indiana State legislature, but it has not been funded. Mike mentioned that we need a lobbyist to push for funding. Mike explained how funding for new trails were funded in the past.
Mike gave us an update on the progress of the MAC trail. Because of the weather, construction has slowed down considerably. Mike is still trying to work out agreements with landowners.
Dave explained the need for additional funds because of projects that are very expensive and the possibility of getting a professional grant writer. Bill made a motion that Dave and Dan be turned loose to investigate finding a grant writer. Dan 2nd, motion passed.
Jeff discussed the restrooms that are already available along the trail. One in Macy and one in Bunker Hill. We are looking at getting signs made to direct riders and walkers to the restrooms.
Steve informed us as to how donations can be made. Checks can be sent to Nickel Plate Trail PO Box 875 Peru, In 46970 Nickel Plate address, also through our website, www.nickelplatetrail.org/donate/, and the community foundation.
Mike explained the Lovers Lane extension is moving, but very slowly.
Steve explained how our tax returns are filed and the complexity of filing our tax returns.
No meeting in December.
Starting in January our meetings will be at St Charles School, 80 West 5th Street Peru, In. Parking is located on the East side of the school.
Shannon R once again made the meeting very festive by supplying everyone with Thanksgiving hats, and a box full of treats and toys. Also, Bill Wilson won a pumpkin pie by accurately tossing a ball in a bucket. Folks, these meetings are not only informative, but lots of fun!
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Cox
Donate Online – Nickel Plate Trail
www.nickelplatetrail.org
The Nickel Plate Trail is a non for profit 501c3 organization. Our funding is through grants and private donations by people like you. Please give what you can. All cash donations are tax deductible a...