1Friends of the Chester Valley Trail

November 16, 2010 East Whiteland Township Bldg. 7:00pm

Presiding: Bob O’Leary Board members present: Mike Broennle, Bill Casswell, Bob Cochlin, Phil Hoke, Tim Lander

Other attendees: Terry Woodward

1. Minutes from Oct 18, 2010 approved.

2. Trail Updates. Bob O’Leary relayed a phone report from park Superintendent Ian Currie:

· The sink hole east of the Church Rd bridge has been scanned by a consultant. The report is pending.

· No new graffiti.

· Additional fence is being installed at Malin Station. 600’ done, 1200’ to go.

· Traffic is getting accustomed to the Phoenixville Pike / SR 113 crossing. No changes are planned by PennDOT. Bill Steele, E Whiteland Director of Public Works will be contacted to cut back brush.

· At the Oct meeting of the CC Park & Recreation Board construction of the Exton Trailhead was still anticipated in the Spring 2011. Efforts are being made to find a way to fund Phase 2A linking the Church Farm section with the Main Street at Exton.

· Two kiosks are up [E Whiteland Twp Bldg and Battle of the Clouds trailheads. Painting needs to be completed. They will feature aerial photos indicating where you are.

· A meeting of County representatives and adjacent homeowners regarding easement rights was contentious. Homeowners were concerned about liability issues, privacy and screening. The meeting was discussed by the County Park and Recreation Board.

· The Brandywine Bicycle Club has inquired about donating benches. John Mikowychok, Director of CC Park & Recreation will work with them. Similar benches are projected for Malin Station.

· Despite staff and equipment limitations, leaf removal is being managed with no complaints.

· We need to follow-up with Ian Currie regarding the contact for volunteer liaisons.

3. Checking account. Bob Cochlin reported receiving a EIN number and opening a checking account with Wells Fargo Bank. He donated $100 to open the account. Up to 150 free transactions per month are permitted. Mike Broennle will be the second signatory.

4. 501[c]3: Bob O’Leary reported the Assistant Director of the Park & Rec board is an expert on 501[c]3.

5. Committee Reports

· Nominating. Tim Lander will prepare for elections at the January meeting.

· Membership. No progress. Goal is have membership registration forms ready by late Dec.

· Program. No report.

6. Logo. We decided to use the Reading RR diamond shape, Reading green, and agreed on the layout of the organization name and trail graphic. Phil Hoke requested a gif file with transparency for the web site.

7. Flyer. Bob O’Leary will draft a flyer to include new members’ areas of interest and demographics.

8. Web site. Bob O’Leary reported the web site is being designed as a school project by a college student who is studying graphic arts and web design. Personal issues have caused some delay.

9. Montgomery County Supervisors letters. Bob O’Leary requested copies. Broennle will solicit from Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, Brandywine and Delaware Valley Bicycle Clubs, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Chester County Cycling Coalition. Hoke will solicit from Suburban Cyclist Unlimited.

10. Bike to Work. Bob O’Leary distributed a handout from Molly Duffy at Transportation Management Association of Chester County [TMACC}. May is International Bike to Work month. TMACC has sponsored competitions between employer groups determined by miles ridden. This is prolonged and complex. Delaware County has a one day observation. May 16-20, 2011 is Bike to Work Week. Friday, May 20 is Bike to Work Day. Another idea is a Walk to School Week. [League of American Bicyclists ideas: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/pdf/national_bike_month_guide.pdf]

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, East Whiteland Township Bldg.

Respectfully submitted,

A. Michael Broennle

Secretary