Buffalo Trail Board Minutes November 3, 2008
Feb 10, 2009
Author: Bill Cooley

Buffalo Trail Board

Minutes November 3, 2008

A regular meeting of the Buffalo Trails Board (BTB) was held at Buffalo’s City Hall at 7:00am on November 3, 2008. Members present included Bill Mentock, Bill Cooley, Lois Petersen, Dave Palmerlee, Councilman Don Vogl, and Alicia Bankston. Absent members were Jack Tarter and Jerry Gladson.

Chairman Mentock called the meeting to order at 7:00am.

The first item on the agenda was to meet with Dave Osmundson who is designing and building the trail signs. Mr. Osmundson described the different finishes that are available for the signs. The BTB is concerned that the finish they decide on be not take too much maintenance. Mr. Osmundson described the maintenance that would be required for the natural finish that is covered with an auto grade clear coat finish. Mr. Osmundson described that the maintenance for the natural finish would consist of someone checking the signs on a yearly basis, and rubbing the spots where the finish is failing with steal wool and spraying that spot with the clear coat finish. Mr. Osmundson then began to describe the maintenance for the rust patina finish. Mr. Palmerlee asked if there was any difference in initial cost for the rust patina finish. Mr. Osmundson mentioned that the additional cost would probably be a couple of hundred dollars. Mr. Cooley asked if that additional cost would be for the whole project or for each sign. Mr. Osmundson responded that additional costs would be per sign. Discussion then centered on the maintenance of each of the finishes. Ms. Peterson then asked Mr. Osmundson to clarify if the natural finish would need the least amount of maintenance and cost. Mr. Osmundson agreed that that is the case. Mr. Palmerlee made a motion to accept the natural steel finish with a clear coat. Councilman Vogl seconded the motion and all members present voted aye.

The next agenda item was to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Mr. Palmerlee made a motion to accept the minutes with minor spelling changes mentioned. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion and all members present voted aye.

The next agenda item was to discuss the trailhead map that is being designed by RDG Planning and Design. Ms. Bankston then explained that some of the bridge placement money is being used for design of the map as that grant allocated money for creation of a sign and map. Ms. Bankston then described the color scheme that RDG was planning on using. Ms. Bankston described that the map will be drawn as an 11”x17” with points of interest and obviously the streets, trails, and trail heads. Ms. Bankston then mentioned that the map will also have a schematic that will have information in it that allows users to determine how long the trails are and the time (estimated 3mph waling pace) that it may take one to walk a particular trail. Mr. Palmerlee asked if we plan to have a chance to test the map for readability. Ms. Bankston mentioned that was a good idea and may be possible in phase two. Mr. Cooley then stated that he did not like the types of maps that contain too many symbols or drawings on them. The BTB then decided to try to keep the map as simple as possible while still giving potential trail users the information they need. Ms. Bankston then asked if anyone would be interested in forming a sign committee. Mr. Cooley and Mr. Palmerlee volunteered. Mr. Palmerlee made a motion to have Ms. Bankston continue along the same path in regards to the map. Mr. Cooley seconded the motion and all members present voted aye.

The next agenda item was to discuss the BTB finances. Mr. Palmerlee asked if the Buffalo Charitable Foundation had come through with the funds. Chairman Mentock mentioned that there was a problem with the BCF meetings so no answer was available at this time.

The next agenda item was to discuss the volunteers that would take care of the dog waste stations. Mrs. Palmerlee has volunteered to take care to the station at the Mentock trail. Mr. Cooley volunteered to take care of the station located at the Shiloh Trail. Mr. Gladson volunteered to take care of the stations on the Centennial Trail.

The next item was to discuss the progress of the Shiloh Trail. Chairman Mentock gave the BTB an update as to the progress. 3-Way Inc. has completed the dirt work except for the parking area, which will be completed this winter with some large rocks placed to define the parking area.

The next item was to discuss where the benches that 3-Way Inc. has made for the BTB. Chairman Mentock mentioned that he and Norb Lyle had determined that a good spot for a bench was along the Power Plant Loop Trail among the aspen trees. Chairman Mentock also mentioned that he needed some help in determining where to place a bench along the Shiloh Trail. Mr. Cooley made a motion that Ms. Peterson go with Chairman Mentock to determine where to place the bench along the Shiloh Trail. Mr. Vogl seconded the motion and all members present voted aye. Mr. Palmerlee made a motion that the other bench be placed by the aspen grove along the Power Plant Loop trail. Mr. Cooley seconded the motion and all members present voted aye.

The next agenda item was an update on the 1880 Historic Bridge placement. Chairman Mentock gave an update mentioning that the abutments were in place and the bridge should be placed on November 7th. Mr. Vogl mentioned that the BTB might want to contact the county regarding the access point for the parking lot that will access the bridge. Ms. Bankston and Mr. Betzler agreed to contact Johnson County roads in regards to the access.

The next agenda item was to discuss the Wyoming State Forestry donation of 20,000 for trimming and removal of cottonwood trees along the Centennial Trail from South Bypass Road to Lobban St. and along the Greenbelt Trail. Chairman Mentock mentioned that money will probably be left over and may be used for other trail projects.

The next agenda item was to discuss Lois Petersen’s agreement to write some newspaper articles on the construction of the Cold Springs Trail, Shiloh Trail, and the BTB Master Tail Plan. Thank you Lois!
The next agenda item was to discuss a letter that from WYDOT allowing all volunteers to utilize the west end of the Hwy 16 West bike path to water the trees at the Old Power Plant access (Old Big Tree Rest Area).

The next item was to discuss the possibility of the BTB making a funding request to the Recreation Board for monies to help maintain the trail system. Mr. Cooley made a motion that the BTB apply to the Recreation Board for funding for a maintenance person and shelter to house tools and other BTB equipment. In addition, the funding would be for the purpose to purchase tools that are required to help maintain the trail system. Mr. Palmerlee seconded the motion and all members present voted aye.

The next agenda item was to update the appointment dates for all members of the BTB. The following shows the date when each person’s term expires:

Jerry Gladson 12-2008
Bill Mentock 01-2009
Jack Tarter 01-2009
Don Vogl 01-2009
Bill Cooley 09-2009
Lois Petersen 01-2010
Dave Palmerlee 01-2010

The next meeting was set for December 1, 2008.


Having no more business the meeting was adjourned at 8:18am.

Bill Cooley
Secretary