November 2023 Minutes
Minutes from Regular Quarterly Meeting on November 6, 2023
Big Canoe Trails Committee
Minutes by Jonathan Foulkes
Mtg took place in person indoors at the Village Station.
Commenced at 4 p.m.; ended at 4:33 p.m.
Members in attendance = 33
NEXT MEETING is February 5, 2024 @4pm . - Venue : Village Station A
Balance of 2024 Meetings May 6th, August 5th, November 4th. All at 4pm Location TBD based on weather.
FYI: Meetings are scheduled for the 1st Monday of 2nd month of each quarter
(i.e. first Monday of Feb/May/Aug/Nov). A question was put to the team whether to have some Saturday dates or continue on Mondays, based on attendee feedback, we will continue to have meetings on Mondays.
NEXT WORK DAY: tbd
NEW MEMBERS: Welcome to the following new BCTC members:
Billy Lovell (Nancy Womack Trail, Ponder Point to summit, with JR & Bob Kenyon)
Jonathan Foulkes (Wildcat Connector & Perimeter Trail)
Greg & Marlyce Murphins (Indian Mounds Trail and Loop Trail)
DEPARTING MEMBERS: The following members have resigned from BCTC. Thank you for your contributions!
Greg Riccardi (Moving Away from BC)
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS of BCTC:
1. Reinforce stones in creek near Water Wheel
No major projects since last meeting. No major ones upcoming.
Met with Ricky Jordan recently about Public Safety and some of the challenges we’ve experienced on the trails recently. More to follow.
UPCOMING PROJECTS:
Village trail (near Petit Crest Villas) steps project was canceled due to a change to make the crosswalk across Highland Trail road now go at a diagonal and join the trail where it is flat.
Let us know what else you need for your trail(s)
MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS:
Liz discussed Joro Spiders. Destroy webs if they interfere with hiking trails and hikers.
Mitch discussed the Fall leaves. The request is to please hit your trail at least 2x/month, more if your schedule permits. If you can’t get to your trail due to travel, injury, etc, please ask your trail partner. If they are unavailable, your trail neighbor. Last option is reach out to Mitch.
Liz requested the team to please log work activities on the form at bctrails.info
Liz shared that the Wildflower Bunch gave us a donation of $1,500 on top of $3,000 last year. Check delivered to POA to help offset Trails materials costs.
Mitch recapped the Halloween hike and thanked the members who helped plan and execute it. We had great turnout, nearly 90 people.
A Thanksgiving Hike was proposed, and High Gap was agreed should be the target park.
Mitch shared the concept for a Moonshine Stills Hike.
During team discussion, it was agreed we should make Wildcat paved trails available for elders and kids for major community events.Liz mentioned we need to ensure we coordinate events that are community-wide with the POA to ensure that scheduling conflicts are avoided, and that we can benefit from POA promotion
Liz encouraged the team to pick up trail brochure supplies at the BCTC mailbox, and to keep stock in your car to easily re-stock holders on your trails.
Mitch asked the team about who needs/wants to know more about the Borrow Pit and participate in a guided tour to see where it is, and what is there. Six members indicated interest.
A volunteer for ‘Tool Steward’ at the borrow pit was discussed, and Alan Moffatt stepped-up to take that role. Alan will inventory the assets and set up a check-out process. Alan, Mitch and Liz discussed the power tools post-meeting and given the age and condition of the tools, we have opted to donate them instead of trying to purchase batteries and chargers and repair gas powered chainsaw. Alan will still be in charge of the hand tools, pulleys, fasteners, round up, etc in terms of inventorying, ordering replacements, etc.
Please take a look at your bridges if you need to replace rusted mesh or roof tar material. Let Mitch or Liz know what you need and we can get it ordered along with the roofing nails.
For narrow bridges, we will continue to use other materials, or just spray with Miracle Mist.The opening of a new trail at Trotters lane was presented by Liz, and she indicated there is some further admin work before it can be formally be opened.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE NOTES:
Reminder: Inspect your trail at least once a month AND after storms.
As noted in #10, replace roofing material on wide bridges with diamond mesh lath as needed.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS & QUESTIONS FROM THE TEAM:
A question about a team BBQ event was raised and given that the Black Bear Society has been generous with multiple events per year. We will continue to enjoy camaraderie at those.