Friends of the Chester Valley Trail

 

May 17, 2011                                                   East Whiteland Township Bldg. 7:13 pm

Presiding: Bob O’Leary                                       Board members present: Mike Broennle, Phil Hoke

 

                                                                        Others who attended:  Steve Scarfone.

 

1.  Trail updates: 

·    O’Leary reported maps will go up in the kiosks this week showing mileposts and highlights.  In discussion a concern was raised that a kiosk would be desirable at the Church Farm site now.

·    Trail usage data was distributed.

·    Phase 2

Bob O’Leary reported:  PennDOT has delayed approval of the specs, tentatively until late July, pushing back the bid process to perhaps August which would mean awarding in October.  At this time it is not appropriate to ask state legislators to apply pressure.  

·    Exton Trailhead

On schedule for completion this Fall.

·    Phase 3a Exton Link

Is in design.  Natasha Manbeck, CC Planning Dept., is confident a grant for construction will be awarded.

2  Website

·    Hoke reported the site is up-to-date.

·    Broennle owes Hoke updated bike shop info.

3.  Membership cards and acknowledgements

·    Broennle reported about 6 remain to be done.

4.  501(c)(3)

·    O’Leary reported  there has been no contact from attorney Steve Soles in a month.  Soles had suggested changes in the Bylaws to be suitable for application for incorporation in Pennsylvania.  A dissolution statement was omitted.  Only 1 signatory was indicated for checks.  LegalZoom is estimated to cost $500-800.  O’Leary proposed the board meet to tackle the PA incorporation and 501(c)(3) applications, then have an attorney complete.

5.  Events

·    Friday 6/16 4:30-6:00 pm.  Happy hour at Wegman’s function room.  Food complements of Wegman’s.  State Representative Warren Kampf and Mimi Gleason, Tredyferrin Township Manager plan to attend.  There will be a jar for donations.  Tim Lander and Mike Broennle will represent the Friends.

6.  Potential programs this summer

·    Bike inspection station courtesy of Exton Bikes

·    Bike Rodeo.  Broennle stated we do not have the experience/expertise to undertake this.  He will observe the bike rodeo scheduled at Wilson Farm Park on Saturday 5/21 to learn what it takes to hold such an event.

·    Trail  Ambassadors.  Awaiting a discussion with CC Park & Rec rangers.

·    Other volunteer projects.  Need to discuss with Superintendent Currie.

7.  Natural Lands Trust

·     Ben LeGarde has suggested FCVT partnering with the Natural Lands Trust.  LeGarde and O’Leary meet with Molly Morrison, NLT Exec Dir. and discussed NLT teaching us about fund raising for a fee.  They would provide guidance but not directly contacting potential donors.  Bob distributed info re NLT.  In discussion concern was raised whether the FCVT is ready for this level of fund raising.

8.  Financial

·    Bob Cochlin reported.  Opening a PayPal account should await obtaining 501(c)(3) status.

9.  Facebook

·    Phil Hoke will install a link on Facebook to the FCVT website.

 

10.  Comments from attendees

·    Steve Scarfone inquired about the purpose of funds raised.  .

 

Next meeting:   Tuesday, July 19, 2011, East Whiteland Township Bldg., 7:00 pm

 

Respectfully submitted,   

A. Michael Broennle

Secretary                                      7/19/11