Rail Trail

Price-Taylor Rail Trail Corridor Commission Westboro Community Center Town Hall October 15, 2024 1. Call Meeting to Order Meeting of the Price-Taylor Rail Trail Commission was called to order by President Dan Roiger on October 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Westboro Community Center Town Hall. Commission Members present: Bob Meyer, Marvin Kuenne, Troy Larson, Dan Roiger, Ron Kendziera, Steve Thums, Greg Foltz, Marjory Brzeskiewicz, Jeff Hallstrand, and Darrell Thompson. Ex-Officio Members: Luke Williams. Ex-Officio member absent Joe Grapa. Others present: Buzz Meyer 2. Approve Minutes of the April 23rd, 2024, Meeting Motion by Mavin Kuenne and seconded by Ron Kendziera to approve minutes as mailed. Motion carried. 3. Approve the Agenda Motion by Troy Larson and seconded by Steve Thums to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 4. Treasurer’s Report The treasurer’s report was presented by Bob Meyer. Beginning balance on April 1, 2024, of $24,196.60 and an ending balance on September 30, 2024, of $4,361.60. Revenue included $165 from the Pine -Line Marathon. Expenses were the purchase of 2 $10,000.00 CD’s. CD4984 and CD4992 were purchased on April 24, 2024, and as of September 30, 2024, both had each earned $122.40 in interest. The original intention was to purchase 9 -month CD’s, but the 12 months were the only available option. Motion by Greg Foltz and seconded by Steve Thums to approve treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. 5. Trail Condition and Maintenance • Roiger mentioned that the Taylor County section appears to be in good condition and well maintained. He and Steve had been out recently brushing around signs. • Roiger suggested that a load of blue granite should be stockpiled near the Whittlesey shop for filling areas settling around bridges and potholes. Williams will get a load delivered for next field season. • Larson provided that the Price County section is in good condition as well and has been recently mowed. • Roiger commented that the screws on some of the decking on the bridges near Medford are beginning to come loose and should be repaired. Williams will look into this getting fixed. 6. Storm Damage Clean Up • Williams stated that two culverts washed out and a significant amount of storm damaged trees occurred on the section between Allman Avenue and Center Avenue. The trees were removed by Czarnezki Forest Products. One of the culvert locations was replaced and the other was temporarily fixed. Taylor County covered the cost. • Larson said a significant amount of storm damage occurred in Price County as well but has all been cleaned up. 7. Culvert Condition and Maintenance • Williams was able to find a list of culvert inventory on the Taylor County section. This list is from 2014. Roiger stated that there is a more update list and that several of these were replaced when the trail was resurfaced. Williams will look to see if he can find the most up to date list and report back at the next meeting. • The list that Williams provided had 40 culverts on the Taylor County side. Larson figured there were around 40 on the Price County side as well. • Williams stated that a culvert was replaced north of Center Avenue after severely washing out this summer. Another culvert near Whittlesey was washed out but temporarily repaired this summer. • Discussion ensured about looking for grant funding to replace the culverts. Larson stated that winter ATV maintenance and snowmobile funds have been used to replace some in Price County. Taylor County will investigate doing this in the future as well. Non - motorized recreation grants may be available as well, potentially through biking, hiking, or horse -riding organizations. Lynn Ludwig is well versed in recreational grants and Williams will contact her more information and will report back at the next meeting. • In the short term, culverts will be replaced as needed or repaired temporarily depending on funds. 8. Encroachment in Westboro • Discussion occurred about the misuse of an easement that had been issued to a private party for use of a private business just south of Highway D in Westboro. A mobile home, a pontoon boat, and two snowmobile trailers were parked in the parking lot that is on county owned property this summer. Willliams contacted the owner, and he moved the stuff. However, he has since dumped recycled asphalt and brush/lawn debris within the county property. Williams will review the easement with legal counsel to determine the best course of action to get this issue resolved. • Thums mentioned that there is a solar panel that was placed near the property line just north of CTH D in Westboro. Discussion ensured about the width of the R -O-W and how this width is variable. Williams will investigate further to determine if this is on county property. If it is found to be on county property, the commission feels that it should be removed. 9. Motorized Vehicle Traffic Issues • Taylor County had a trail camera on the Pine-Line in the summer and observed that there was a decent amount of motor vehicle traffic by dirt bikes, ATVS, and UTVs. Upon discussion, it was decided that Williams should talk with law enforcement to determine the options for deterrence and possible enforcement. Williams will report back at the next meeting. 10. Set Next Meeting Date Tuesday April 22, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Westboro Community Center Town Hall 11. Adjourn Motion made by Troy Larson, seconded by Ron Kendziera to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by Luke Williams, Taylor County Forest and Recreation Administrator Price-Taylor Rail Trail Corridor Commission Westboro Community Center Town Hall April 23, 2024 Minutes 1. Call Meeting to Order Meeting of the Price -Taylor Rail Trail Commission was called to order by President Dan Roiger on April 23rd, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Westboro Community Center Town Hall. Commission Members present: Bob Meyer, Marvin Kuenne, Troy Larson, Dan Roiger, Ron Kendziera, Steve Thums, Greg Foltz, Marjory Brzeskiewicz, and Jeff Hallstrand. Ex-Officio Members: Luke Williams and Joe Grapa. Members absent: Darrell Thompson. Others present: Buzz Meyer, Alex Solawetz 2. Approve Minutes of the October 17th, 2023, Meeting Motion by Jeff Hallstrand and seconded by Bob Meyer to approve minutes as mailed. Motion carried. 3. Approve the Agenda Motion by Troy Larson and seconded by Ron Kendziera to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 4. Treasurer’s Report The treasurer’s report was presented by Bob Meyer. Beginning balance of $22,436.40 and an ending balance of $24,196.60. Revenue included $75 for utility crossing for Michael’s Corporation, $500 for a trenched utility crossing from Charter Communications, and $1,185.20 in timber sale revenue. Motion by Steve Thums and seconded by Marvin Kuenne to approve treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. 5. Trail Condition and Maintenance • Joe Grapa discussed ongoing brush clearing along the Price County trail. A culvert failed north of Forsberg Road and is scheduled to be replaced. • Dan Roiger mentioned a soft spot that exists on the trail south of Czerniak’s. 1-2 loads of blue granite will be needed to improve. Taylor County Forestry will coordinate getting the material to the site. Dan Roiger offered to spread the material with his tractor as a volunteer. • Steve Thums mentioned that the section that was not logged has numerous uprooted and leaning trees that are likely to fall over the trail during high winds. The section of trail being discussed begins at the “big bridge” and extends one mile south. He offered to cut them but was seeking authorization first. Taylor County Forestry will visit the site to see if the potential for a commercial harvest exists. If not, authority will be granted to cut leaning and uprooted trees. • Bob Meyer stated that the commission has almost $25,000 in the Rail Trail account. Historically, around $2,000 has been spent annually. Bob Meyer discussed putting $20,000 into a CD for 9 months to gain additional revenue from higher interest rates. Ron Kendziera recommended that some of this money be used to replace culverts and apply granite to the Price County sections. Troy Larson stated that grant money is available for this and that the timeline for completing this work would be after the CD matures. A motion was made by Troy Larson to put $20,000 into a 9 -month CD. Steve Thums seconded. Motion carried. • Dan Roiger stated that we should ensure that the commission membership call list be updated. Taylor County Forestry will update and distribute the list. • Steve Thums had been approached by Lanny Thums about cutting some small brush along the trail section in between his driveway and the cheese factory. Lanny was unsure if he was still interested in completing this work, but after discussing it was decided that this would not be a problem. • Steve Thums mentioned that Westboro is having a celebration for its 150 th anniversary next year. The date is July 25, 2025. He asked if UTV parking will be allowed on the grass near the Gazebo. After discussion, it did not seem like it would be a problem. • The Pine Line marathon occurred April 20 2024. Taylor County Forestry issued a special event permit and the Medford Chamber of Commerce provided a $100 donation to the Pine Line Commission. Participants commented on the good condition of the trail. 6. Update on Timber Sale North of Medford • Alex Solawetz from Taylor County Forestry gave an update that the timber sale established along the trail has been completed and all the payments have been received. This contract was with Montey Dassow. 7. Trail Use Permits to Michaels Corp. Westboro • Alex Solawetz from Taylor County Forestry granted a $75 equipment crossing permit to Michael’s Corporation for utility work. The work has been completed and Taylor County Forestry will inspect the site to ensure that no damage to the trail exists.