SYRACUSE — Insurance, grants and flooding issues dominated much of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee meeting Monday evening, Sept. 19. The meeting was held at its new office in downtown Syracuse.
Megan McClellan, executive director, has applied for or will apply for nine grants totaling $1.1 million. One grant could come from State Farm for $25,000. She is also applying for a Dekko grant in the amount of $150,000.
The committee also discussed directors and officers liability insurance. It obtained a quote from Northern Lakes Insurance, Syracuse, for $1 million worth of coverage. The total premium is $1,500. After much discussion, the committee approved the plan. The premium of $750 each will come from the parks foundation and the trail committee.
Flooding on a portion of the trail along Northshore Drive was discussed. A homeowner told McClellan he is still having flooding issues at the end of his driveway. The problem was previously fixed last year with a French drain. However, he is still having issues. The problem needs to be either fixed with a new drain or re-do the cement work. Several committee members noted if the problem arose again, the trail committee would address the situation with the homeowner.
“We will have a professional come out and look at it,” said McClellan.
Also, waterproofing the boardwalk along the Pickwick Drive trail was addressed. The cost is $1,130.04 plus cost for 36 gallons of Eco Advanced waterproof coating, which lasts two years. It was suggested McClellan contact the company directly to see if it can get a better price.
Also, a new picnic table arrived this week. It is located near Mud Lake and needs to be anchored. Several committee members said they will handle the project.
Volunteer of the Month is Dr. Tom Edington. He gave the August treasurer’s report. The donations totaled $10,864.57 and expenses totaled $24,537.82. Expenses were mainly maintenance related. Of the donations, $5,500 has been earmarked for the Conklin Bay project. A sign for the project will cost $790.03.
Approximately $16,661.68 is for Earth Source’s topographical survey and design work at the SR 13 and Harkless Drive intersection. McClellan said she will likely receive the bid document in the next week or two and the intersection will “a spring project.”
McClellan gave an update on Tour des Lakes. Also, $4,000 will be given back to the trail committee and that is $1,500 more than last year’s fundraiser.
McClellan will attend a seminar, “Fundraising for Non Profits,” in Warsaw for a fee of $50, which the committee approved.
Fall trail counts have been conducted and “Wednesday Walks” will continue, starting at 1 p.m. each Wednesday, and leaving from the community center. New T-shirts have been ordered and will cost $15 apiece. The T-shirts should be here by the time the homecoming parade passes though Syracuse Friday, Sept. 30.
McClellan said since she has a new printer, the old printer will be donated to anyone who is interested. They can contact her at the trail office or email her at: ed@syracusewawaseetrails.com.
The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 17.