CeMENEMBA Minutes
September 5, 2017
The Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 6th at 6:30 at Augusta City Hall. Present were: President Chris Riley, VPs Disa F. Frank Jalbert, and Matt Swann (by phone.) Also present were Treasurer Brett Vancott, Renee, Ian Ogilvie, Brian Alexander, and Ted Scharf.
Chris welcomed everyone and noted the highly successful summer of trail building, maintenance, events, and riding. He thanked everyone for their efforts.
Treasurer’s report. Brett gave the treasurer’s report. She noted a beginning balance on June 6, 2017 of $17,253.88, and a closing balance of $7175.39 on Sept. 5. Income for the period was $11,421. Expenses were $21,499.49 Most of the expenses were for trail-related work, including $17,456 for the Quarry Road project. Most of the QR project will be reimbursed from the RTP grant. In addition to the RTP reimbursement, we expect about $2500 to $3500 in Treadfest income. We owe the trail crew approximately $7,000. We expect to take a balance into the new year of approximately the same as we carried into this year.
Trail crew. Chris reported that the trail crew did an outstanding job. As independent contractors, they are being paid $10/hr. Matt Swann moved and Ted seconded that Nolan receive a $1/hr. bonus for outstanding performance. That would amount to about $200 additional for the summer.
Treasurer election. Brett VanCott is resigning as treasurer. The Board offered its thanks for her hard work over the past two years. Brian nominated Justin Lagassey as the new treasurer. Seconded by Frank. The vote was unanimous, and is effective with the completion of the paperwork, hopefully by October 1st. Justin has been working with Brett on the transition.
PR Kids Loop. Chris will try to finish the Pine Ridge Kids loop this fall. This is an obligation of our Kennebec Saving Bank grant.
Odyssey Event. The Odyssey event has been scheduled for October 20-21. The venue for the party is to be determined. Lost Valley in Auburn and Ricker Hill Farms in Turner were suggested. The event includes an opportunity to ride as many CeMENEMBA-maintained trails as possible from 5pm Friday until 5pm Saturday. A social event to follow on Saturday evening. While not primarily a fundraising event, there will be raffles and donations accepted.
TNTs. The days dwindle down to a precious few. It was agreed to try to do dispersed leaf blowing on as many trails as possible.
Accomplishments. Chris handed out a summary of our 2017 trail work accomplishments, based on our strategic plan developed last winter. He noted that it is a five year plan. Our trail system has expanded and is in very good shape. Total hours of work needs to be determined, but it is substantial.
Sappi “Community Ideas that Matter” grant. Chris will be pursuing this grant opportunity for the Coburn Woods trail system in Skowhegan. Seeking $2500. The Trustees of the Somerset Woods Land Trust have agreed to match the grant.
In general, Chris would like to pursue a strategy of applying for micro-grants from local organizations.
Trail Maps. We have sold out of our 250 printing. Since many of the trail systems have since been expanded, we need to make a new addition. Discussed the need for better trail naming, and signage on the ground. Chris will work with Jean-Luc Theriault on revised GPS. Also will be seeking new sponsors for new additions such as Coburn Woods.
Next meeting will be October 10 at 6:30 at Augusta City Hall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Garry Hinkley,
Secretary