Rail Trail

Price-Taylor Rail Trail Corridor Commission Westboro Community Center Town Hall April 28, 2026 Minutes 1. Call Meeting to Order Meeting of the Price -Taylor Rail Trail Commission was called to order by President Dan Roiger on April 28th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Westboro Community Center Town Hall. Commission Members present: Bob Meyer, Marvin Kuenne, Troy Larson, Dan Roiger, Steve Thums, Bud Suckow, Greg Foltz, Ron Kendziera, and Marjory Brzeskiewicz . Ex -Officio Members: Alex Solawetz and Joe Grapa. Others present: Sue Emmerich, Elaine Emmerich, Justin Meyer 2. Approve Minutes of the October 21th, 2025 Meeting • Motion made by Bob Meyer, seconded by Ron Kendziera, to approve minutes as mailed/emailed. Motion carried. 3. Approve the Agenda • Motion made by Greg Foltz, seconded by Steve Thums, to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 4. Treasurer’s Report • Treasurer Bob Meyer presented the report. The beginning balance in checking was $5,599.17 and an ending balance of $7,699.17. • CD4984 had a beginning balance on Oct 1, 2025 of $10,573.38 and an ending balance on March 31, 2026, of $10,779.50. CD0136 had a balance beginning on Oct 1, 2025 of $10,000.00 and an ending balance of $10,194.93 on March 31, 2026. • Motion made by Troy Larsen, seconded by Ron Kendziera, to approve treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. 5. Motorized Permit Approval Sue Emmerich of the Economic Development Foundation presented information on the efforts of the Dairyland Rail Commission to revitalize the rail line from Spencer to Medford for rail freight. Emmerich explained opposition to the proposal to investment to restart rail service and supported exploring the idea of converting the unused rail line to a recreational trail. This background was given to explain the reason for the motorized event permit request. The event would involve a ride to show visitors, including political representatives from the area, the benefits of the Price-Taylor Rail Trail. The goals of the ride include showing that rail service could have negative impacts on area communities and that a recreational trail would be a beneficial use of the current grade from Medford south. The ride would be planned on a weekday, involve 30-40 vehicles, and run from Medford to Mourner Rd and back. Emmerich also invited Commission members to attend the ride. The Commission asked questions and shared information. There was a request from the Commission that the Foundation show the visitor where the Pine Line ends a few miles south of Prentice and seek support in extending the trail to Prentice. There was some discussion on whether UTV/ATV or cars/trucks were best for the ride, but the decision was left to the permit holder. The response from the commission was to issue a permit for the ride provided it occurred after May 15 th. Emmerich will submit the application to the secretary for review and approval. 6. Trail Condition and Maintenance • Greg Foltz reported some damage and sinking in an area near Forsburg Rd where a culvert had been installed. Foltz presented an estimate for repair from Jeff Simek Construction Co. at a cost of $1,246.00. After discussion, Ron Kendziera moved to approve hiring Jeff Simek Construction Co. at the estimated cost with a second from Steve Thums. Motion Carried. • The Pine Line marathon occurred April 18, 2026. Taylor County Forestry issued a special event permit, and the Medford Chamber of Commerce provided a $100 donation to the Pine Line Commission. There were only positive reports to Commission members following the race. • Taylor County Surveyor Justin Meyer was granted permission from the commission to use his vehicle on the trail as he works to locate monuments along the ROW to help identify the original centerline which is used as a reference in locating adjacent property boundaries. Meyer answered questions from the Commission and shared some history on surveying in the area. • Troy Larsen reported that a bridge south of Ogema will need repair. Larsen will seek contractors skilled at redecking and in railing construction and bring plans to the October meeting. 7. Updated Culvert Status • There was discussion on current culvert conditions. No culverts are known to need immediate repair, but the Commission will remain vigilant and prepared to make repairs as the need arises. 8. Utility Crossings • Dan Roiger announced several crossing permits to Charter Communications that were issued since the last meeting. • Solawetz provided an update on recent unpermitted utility crossings that were identified and will continue to investigate and issue permits retroactively. 9. Wally Emmerich Memorial • Elaine Emmerich made a request to install a bench in memory of her late husband Wally Emmerich. Wally owned Spoke and Sprocket, a bicycle shop in Taylor County, for many years and served as president of the Taylor County Snowmobile Clubs Association. Elaine worked with Bob Meyer to identify 2 possible locations south of Westboro to install the bench. A photo example of a bench and a map of the locations were shared with the Commission. No funding was requested from the Commission. A motion was made by Troy Larsen to approve the installation at one of the locations identified with a second from Bud Suckow. Motion carried. 10. Medford Trailhead Signs • Solawetz presented photos of the two brown signs at the Allman Ave trailhead. These signs are in need of repair with rotten posts and missing pieces. Solawetz will look for material and labor donations and present a plan and cost estimate at the next meeting. 11. Additional Items to be Presented • Troy Larsen said Excel Energy installed posts for the sign at the Price-Taylor County line. • Larsen also reported that a trail user suggested adding benches north of Ogema. Trail ROW slopes do not offer many spots for benches, but some fill and a small culvert in the ROW ditch could increase usable space. • Steve Thums asked if there were reports following the marathon. There were no negative reports which were taken as a sign of good trail conditions. 12. Set Next Meeting Date • Tuesday October 20, 2026, 7 p.m. Westboro Town Hall 13. Adjourn • Motion made by Larsen with a second by Kendziera to adjourn at 8:30pm