by John | Sep 18, 2020 | Meeting Minutes & Info., Mountain Biking, Trail Awareness, Trail Building
CeMENEMBA Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2020
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held a regular board meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6pm at the Bond Brook Recreation Area in Augusta. The meeting was held outdoors, maintaining proper social distancing. Officers and members present included Chris Riley, Pres.; Disa Federowicz, VP; Matt Swan, VP; Frank Jalbert, VP; Leslie Wilson, treasurer; Garry Hinkley, Sec.; Tracy Allen; Ryan Walker; Ian Ogilive; Ted Scharf; Brian Alexander; and Renee Brezovsky.
Treasurer’s report. Leslie reported a current balance of $19, 332.49. We are about to receive the $100,000 anonymous donation. In addition, we are expecting a $6600 grant from Specialized Bikes and $1,000 from Allspeed Bike shop. Leslie will explore putting the $100,000 donation into one or more CDs.
There have been some miscellaneous and recurring donations, as well as swag sales. Rusty Cranks from Brunswicks has donated $200 multiple times over the summer., and the Bogar family gave $700. Total cash on hand, not counting the anonymous donation is approximately $27,000 as a current balance.
Leslie reported that we spent $34,310 this summer on trail crew and trail materials. Approximately $30,000 was for labor, and remainder was for materials and other expenses.
Chris noted that the hats are in, and that we need more swag to sell as we head into the fall/winter.
Confirmed that we need to reimburse Josh Staples and Brian Alexander for last winter’s grooming. We previously authorized up to $3,000 for this purpose.
Trail crew. The trail crew, under Will Libby’s direction, did a great job this summer. We had several members come and go, but the work got done. Starting pay for trail crew is $12.50. Motion was made by Ted and seconded by Ryan that next year we would institute a progressive pay scale. Pay would be increased by $1/hour after each one hundred hours worked. Motion passed unanimously.
Chris noted that Will did an outstanding job and is truly well suited for all aspects of our mission and leading the crew. Chris is considering options for employing Will throughout the year on an as needed basis.
Trail projects.
Mt. Apatite is approximately 90% done.
Titcomb is mostly done, with some minor work to be done on the Kids’ section. Chris had Jean-Luc Theriault update the map for Titcomb denoting the expanded trail system. The Vining Company donated approximately 40 yards of custom aggregate for Titcomb. We are really fortunate to have such generosity in our network.
Quarry Road may be in for a significant expansion of the trail system in the future. More information to follow as we get information.
Highlands A Trail extension work should start this fall. Brian has scouted routes for significant expansion. We will likely put the Signature grant funds aside and start building in earnest in 2021, with the hope that we will have more funding available for this project at the time it starts.
York Hill. Brian noted that the Duncans allowed us to park in their field last winter. Brian circulated a thank you card. Motion to give them $100 in appreciation. Ted/Ryan. Unanimous.
Odyssey ride. Odyssey will be October 16 and 17. Since we lost our regular fund raising events this year, we discussed the possibility of making the Odyssey a registration fund raising event. Teams would compete for the most miles and trails, with the focus on the “challenge” rather than crowning winners. The event will be staged at Bond Brook with services provided. Proceeds will support our winter grooming efforts. We will need volunteers to staff the BB facilities.
Next meeting. Our next meeting will be Monday, November 2nd at 6pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82587581936
Respectfully submitted,
Garry Hinkley, Sec.
by John | Jul 22, 2020 | Meeting Minutes & Info., Mountain Biking, Trail Awareness, Trail Building
CeMENEMBA Board Meeting
Manchester, ME
July 6, 2020
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held a regular board meeting on July 6, 2020 at 6pm. The meeting was held outdoors at the Manchester Meeting House parking lot, adjacent to the Allen Whitney Forest. Officers and members present included President Chris Riley; VPs Frank, Disa, and Matt Swann; treasurer Leslie Wilson; secretary Garry Hinkley; and members Ryan Walker, Ian Ogilvie, Ted Scharf, Brian Alexander, and Tracey Allen.
Treasurer’s Report. Leslie reported a balance of $42,323.03. She reported we received $300 in honor of Carrie Boudreau. Busytown Bikes also made a donation of $450 toward the Mt. A trail project.
Mt. Apatite. Work started this week of the extensions of the Signature trail at Mt. Apatite. Project is being funded through a grant from Outride in the amount of $6,643.84. The board voted to name the trail the “Carrie On” trail in honor of Carrie Boudreau who passed away recently after a courageous battle with cancer.
On a motion by Ted, seconded by Frank, the board voted unanimously to spend up to $450 on a rototiller to be used to break up duff on new trail construction.
Pine Ridge. Chris reported that he has had discussions with the Specialized sales rep regarding Specialized contributing toward the work at Pine Ridge that was postponed when Northern Lights was forced to cancel all donations for 2020. We probably would complete the sign project first. There is a possibility that a solar array may be sited on part of Pine Ridge which might impinge upon the trail system.
Allen Whitney Forest. The trail crew, Brian with the mini-excavator, and volunteers spent two weeks in the AW. Work included new bridges on the “New” trail, extensive drainage work, construction of several berms and other features, and the extension of the “Penny” trail (Red Pine above the church) on the top and bottom to provide an alternative to the Knowles Rd snowmobile trail. The budget was $5,000 including $2,000 from an Onion grant matched by the club, and $1,000 from the Town of Manchester. Total expenditure to date is approximately $4600.
A-Trail. The state has been a little slow to approve the project, but Brian expects to begin work on the trail extensions later this summer.
Res. Chris will try to get out the Hallowell Res to flag the reroute to the entrance to the Piney Loop trail. This should be a few hours of work either by the trail crew or volunteers. We need HCC approval prior to construction.
Titcomb Mt. Plan to use the trail crew to make upgrades to the Titcomb Mountain trails similar to the work done in the AW.
Group rides. Agreed that the club would not hold or sponsor any group rides until further notice. Individuals are free to use our Facebook page announce and invite friends to informal rides.
Odyssey ride. We still plan to hold the fall Odyssey rides as these are self-guided, individual or friends’ rides. Will be searching for an outdoor location to hold a post-Odyssey gathering. Possible locations include Lost Valley, Titcomb Mountain, and Quarry Road in Waterville.
Anonymous donation. Chris announced the receipt of a $100,000 anonymous donation to support CeMENEMBA’s trail work. The donation will be received in its entirety later this summer and will be deposited into a special savings account. The plan is to use the donation over the next 4-5 years to leverage other donations on a matching basis. Chris moved to accept the donation, Brian seconded, and the vote was unanimous.
Next meeting will be September 14th probably at Bond Brook.
Respectfully submitted,
Garry Hinkley, Sec.
by John | Apr 15, 2020 | Meeting Minutes & Info., Mountain Biking, Trail Awareness, Trail Building
CeMENEMBA Board Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2020
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held its regular bi-monthly meeting on April 13th, by Zoom video conference. The meeting began at 6pm. Officers and members present by video included Chris Riley, Pres.; Disa, Frank, Ted Scharf, Tracy, Leslie Wilson, treasurer; Ian, Matt, Renee, and Garry Hinkley Sec.
Treasurer’s Report. Leslie reported a checking account balance of $28,155. In addition, we have received a NEMBA Signature grant for $10,000 to build an intermediate climbing trail in the Kennebec Highlands to compliment the A trail, and to make a loop. Also, we are expecting a $500 contribution from the Central Maine Cycling Club. Renee is to follow up on that contribution.
Northern Lights l has had to cancel (all) of their charitable grants for 2020. This means we will not be receiving $4,000 grant to do upgrades and repairs to Pine Ridge in Waterville. Discussed how much we could do PR within existing resources, and how to communicate the change to our membership. Agreed to try to make and install new signage. Any other major work would be deferred to the end of the season when resources can be evaluated.
NEMBA Signature Grant; A-Trail. Chris reported that our Signature grant award was increased from $5,000 to $10,000. This will allow us to construct a new complimentary intermediate climbing trail in the Kennebec Highlands, thereby making the A-trail a loop.
Allen-Whitney Onion Grant. Work will proceed on the A-W bridge and upgrades.
Trail crew. Discussed whether to try to start the trail crew earlier this year, due to students’ availability. Will probably have two paid crew members this year. Agreed to try to start earlier and to try to keep the crew through August. Chris needs to finish setting up the LLC to employ the crew.
Events postponements. Given the uncertainty of holding social events and other gatherings during the pandemic, we agreed to indefinitely postpone the spring social, Treadfest, and the Women’s Clinic. If conditions and schedules allow, we may consider trying some of these events later in the year. The Odyssey ride, scheduled for October, will remain on the calendar for now. The auction will be held open until the fall. Garry made the motion to postpone these events. Ian seconded. Without objection, motion approved.
Trail work. Agreed that we probably could not hold organized, formal trail work (TNT’s) for the foreseeable future. Volunteers may work individually, ideally with some coordination through our app. Trail masters/stewards should assess their respective trails and report any needs.
Hallowell Res agreement. Garry will contact Rosemary Presnar, Hallowell Conservation Commission chair, to set up a call with Chris to do the annual Res work review required by our MOU.
Mud Season signs. Chris asked for a motion to spend up to $250 to make 10-15 signs closing trails during mud season. Ted made the motion, and Tracey seconded. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Garry Hinkley, Sec.
by John | Feb 15, 2020 | Meeting Minutes & Info., Mountain Biking, Trail Awareness, Trail Building
CeMENEMBA Board Meeting
February 3, 2020
Manchester Town Office
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held a regular board meeting on Monday, February 3rd, at 6pm at the Manchester town office. Board members and officers present included Chris Riley, Pres.; Disa F, VP; Leslie Wilson, treasurer; Frank, Ian, Ryan Walker, Brian Alexander, Matt Swann (by phone), and Garry Hinkley, Secretary.
Treasurer’s report. Leslie reported a checking account balance of $27,856.22. There are some outstanding expenses to be reimbursed, mostly for winter grooming; and some pending pay pal transactions. As of 2/4 that paypal transaction had been completed. No outstanding income at this time.
Treadfest has been closed out.
Winter grooming. The winter has been rather fickle. Brian reported that the York Hill trails are groomed and riding well. He has made contact with the neighboring landowners, and reports no problems. Josh Staples has groomed the Allen-Whitney Forest at least twice. After the second grooming, warm weather set in, and walkers did some damage. Grooming at Range pond has been abandoned.
L/A area. The LACC barn/parking area has been sold and will no longer be a trail head as of next winter. The LACC trails will no longer be groomed for single track fat biking. The multiuse trails continue to be available. Donors raised the funds to purchase Dan Bilodeau’s grooming snowmobile which will be donated to CeMENEMBA. The snowmobile will be housed at Lost Valley for use in the Auburn area. Other grooming will continue on a volunteer/reimbursement basis.
Spring Social. It was agreed that the spring social will be Saturday, May 2nd. Location to be determined, but probably in the Augusta-Hallowell area. Chris will check with Cushnoc to see if their tasting room is available. Quarry Tap Room also was suggested. Tracy Allen was elected (in absentia) chair of the spring social. Ryan moved, Ted seconded, and the vote was unanimous for the date and chair.
We do need to start thinking about auction items. It was suggested that each board member should try to find four or five auction items to start us in the right direction and then we can seek community involvement for other items.
Treadfest 2020. Treadfest will be Saturday, June 20th at Bond Brook. There will be a simplified format this year, three races of 15, 25, or 50 KM. The plan is to have the racing over by noonish, with the remainder of the day for social riding, music and socializing. Registration is open.
Women’s Clinic. The women’s clinic will be July 11 at Quarry Road, Waterville. We need an event coordinator.
Projects and grants. Chris has been a grant writing demon. Several applications are in the works or pending, including an Inland Hospital grant for work and signage at Pine Ridge, and Outride/Specialized grant for continued work at Mt. Apatite, and a Signature grant for either Manchester woods or Highlands. With respect to the Signature grant, it was agreed to focus on the Highlands/A Trail-McGaffey Mountain project. The Manchester Woods (Manchester town forest) project will be deferred pending the outcome of the Manchester Conservation Commission/NPS planning project which is underway.
Need to finish the work in the Allen-Whitney Forest and close out that grant.
Nothing planned for Titcomb right now but there are allocated funds to clean up the trails from the logging work.
Need to finish the boardwalk trail at Bond Brook to connect Six Back to Dragon. This needs to be done prior to Treadfest.
Next meeting Monday, March 9th at 6pm, at the Manchester Town Office.
Respectfully submitted,
Garry Hinkley
Secretary
by John | Jan 4, 2020 | Meeting Minutes & Info., Mountain Biking, Trail Awareness, Trail Building
CeMeNEMBA Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2019
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held a regular board meeting on December 16, 2019 at 6pm at Cushnoc Brewing, Augusta. Officers and members present included Chris Riley, Pres: Leslie Wilson, treasurer; VPs Disa, Frank, Matt; Brian Alexander, Ian, Ted Scharf, Ryan, Tracy, and Renee; and secretary Garry Hinkley.
Chris congratulated everyone for another successful year, and for everyone’s hard work while he was on semi-sabbatical.
Treasurer’s report. Leslie reported a balance of $22,332 in the checking account. We raised approximately $22,000 and spent approximately $18,000. We are expecting an additional $2,000 from Treadfest. The Odyssey raised approximately $2,000. We are ending the year with our highest balance ever.
Winter grooming. Ted moved to support four locations for winter grooming: Highlands/Rome (formerly Roxy Rand); LACC; Range Pond; and the Allen Whitney Forest. Seconded by Frank. Unanimous.
Ted moved to expend $2,000 to support winter grooming. Frank seconded. Unanimous.
To support proper auditing, all reimbursement requests for winter grooming must be supported by proper documentation for fuel, oil, and equipment repairs. Requests may be submitted to Leslie electronically. Groomers should document their hours. At the end of the winter grooming season, the balance of the $2,000 will be paid proportionally the groomers as a stipend.
Grants. Chris reported that he is pursuing up to four grants for 2020. These include two NEMBA Signature grants, one for $10K and one for $5K, with the understanding we could be awarded no more than one Signature grant. We also may try for a new Onion Foundation grant. We already have a grant to support additional work in the AW.
New Logo. The Board approved the new logo design. Work will be done over the winter to roll out the logo, swag, web updates, etc.
CeMENEMA app. The new app is up and running. Ride and trail information can be posted. Every board member may be an administrator. Administrators may “close” trails. Users will be able to log trail defects and post pictures. The app is linked to Trail Forks. Chris will explore whether we can push information to Trail Forks.
2020 Calendar.
-The spring social will be held on either April 11 or April 25 at a location to be determined.
-Treadfest is June 20th.
-The Women’s clinic will be July 11th. Chris motioned to move the clinic from Titcomb Mountain to Quarry Road. Frank seconded. Unanimous. QR will provide a more varied terrain and should save on fees.
-The Odyssey ride will be Friday-Saturday October 16th and 17th. Party location to be determined.
-TNT’s. We will attempt to reinstitute Tuesday Night trail work.
•Next Meeting will be February 3. Location TBD. All members welcome.
Meeting adjourned about 7pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Garry Hinkley,
Secretary
