Buffalo Trail Board
May 22, 2008
Author: Bill Cooley

Buffalo Trails Board

Minutes for April 7, 2008

A regular meeting of the Buffalo Trails Board was held at Buffalo’s City Hall at noon on April 7, 2008.

The following board members were present:
Bill Mentock, Norb Lyle, Bill Cooley, Jerry Gladson, Fred Grey, Steve Nuckolls, Councilman Don Vogl, City Planner Colin Betzler, Asst. City Planner Alicia Bankston
Absent: Ed Von Holst, Jack Tarter

Chairman Mentock called the meeting to order at 12:04 pm.

Mr. Gladson made a motion to approve last meetings minutes having no corrections. Mr. Cooley seconded the motion. The motion carried with all members present voting aye.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to accept the proposed agenda for today’s meeting, Mr. Lyle seconded, and the motion was approved with all members voting aye.

City Planner Colin Betzler gave an update on the 1880 Bridge project. Mr. Betzler mentioned that a study had been completed on the elevated walkway and bridge placement. The study had them been presented to the Army Corp of Engineers and we are awaiting their reply. Some discussion ensued about enlisting the residents of Upper Clear Creek to help with upkeep of the bridge.

Mr. Betzler then gave and update on the Shiloh spur to the Clear Creek Trail. He mentioned that the city was ready to deposit the material for the trail and would do so soon, then 3Way Inc. will come in to spread it weather permitting.

Mr. Betzler then gave an update on the requested funding of 50 from the JCTA. The JCTA agreed to give the Trails Board 00 for printing of a new brochure. They denied the additional money stating that the other items requested were not in their scope to fund.

Mr. Betzler then gave an update on Rec. Board applications. He stated that the Rec. Board has mentioned that the City Pool is high on its list of priorities. However, Mr. Betzler mentioned that perhaps a request from the Rec. Board for a moveable shed, and tools would be a good idea. Discussion ensued about the present ownership of tools and equipment, i.e. that they are privately owned. More discussion about where to place the structure, and finally an agreement was made to allow board members to “think” about the proposal until next meeting and hold a vote then.

Mr. Lyle then gave an update on the proposed Trails Day. He mentioned that with the conflicting events of the Triathlon and Pig Roast, that he didn’t think trail users would show up for our event as they would probably be busy at the other events. Mr. Lyle then mentioned that he thought it would be a good idea to have a “work on the trails day”. Discussion ensued about what type of project would be beneficial. Mr. Mentock mentioned the Greenbelt, Mr. Nuckolls mentioned trash clean up along the Centennial Trail. Mr. Cooley mentioned that he thought that a trail workday is a great idea and that we should try to enlist the Buffalo Bulletin to cover the Trails Board getting out and doing something. Mr. Mentock mentioned that the board could spend its time clearing brush and grass along the benches, and it should be done before tourist season hits.

Mr. Betzler then gave an update/explanation of the budget requests that Chairman Mentock had recently presented to the city council. Mr. Mentock explained the request for a motion sensitive camera to deter vandalism, and possibly track trail usage. Mr. Betzler then went over the 3-5 year plan for the Trails Board, and explained the different city departments that will be involved in the trail system as we have the city become more involved in the trail system. Mr. Mentock expressed the need for all board members to stay involved in the maintenance of the trails until the city agrees to take over.

Mr. Betzler gave an update on the Eva Knepper trail and expressed the cities desire to have the trail brought up to the standards of the city before it will be maintained by the city. Friends of Eva Knepper Trail member Sid Parker mentioned they would like to have a workday in May. Presently they are waiting for trail material from the city.

Asst. City Planner Alicia Bankston gave an update on the Trails Inventory Document. Ms. Bankston explained that the trail names will be presented to the public for public comment, but the names presented are recommended by the trail board. Ms. Bankston then described the possible materials and design we may use for our re-signing project of the trails. One of the possibilities is a sign made of carsonite. Mr. Mentock mentioned that he had recently walked a trail in Cody and the carsonite trail markers were mostly broken.

At Large Board Member Jerry Osborn described his recent work of setting up a meeting with Johnson County landowners. The meeting is to help the landowners understand the trail system and enlist their help in furthering trails.

At Large Board Member Glen Hare then gave his assessment of the trail usage in regards to the Mentock Trail. Mr. Hare mentioned his view that the trail had not originally been designed uses including mountain biking. He suggested that the mountain biking community start an organization that would help develop and maintain the trails they ride. Mr. Cooley mentioned that there are not a great number of mountain bikers in the area, but that it would be great if someone could organize such a group. Mr. Cooley also mentioned the need for education on trail etiquette. Mr. Cooley also mentioned that to his knowledge there had not to date been any serious conflicts between mountain bikers and pedestrians. Ms. Bankston mentioned that she had spoke with the Director of trail maintenance for the city of Breckenridge and that the employ a device in the trail that requires mountain bikers to lower their speed. It seemed that all in attendance agreed that as Buffalo and Johnson County’s populations grow and trails come under more pressure from usage, that the trails need to be fixed, maintained and designed with the heavier usage in mind.

At Large Board Member Larry Gerard discussed the size of the Greenbelt.

Public Comment:

At Large Board Member Susan Thune asked why the city would maintain Heritage Park if it was not in the city limits, and Mr. Betzler mentioned that although the park is not in the city limits it is city property. Ms. Thune then asked if the board would consider using laser cut metal signs for the trail re-signing project. She expressed an opinion that it may be more cost beneficial to pay a little more now for the metal signs than to have to replace signs of another material more often.

A vote on the Trail Inventory Document was tabled until the next meeting.

The next meeting date was decided to be Thursday April 17, 2008 at noon, city hall.

Mr. Cooley made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Lyle seconded the motion. All members voted aye.

Chairman Mentock adjourned the meeting at 1:20pm