2005
Minutes: Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Aug
Oct Dec
FRIENDS
OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE
Minutes
Regular
Monthly Meeting
January
3, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was
called to order by the acting President, Micky Harrington, at approximately
6:00pm on Monday, January 3, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room
of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th
St. at which time the following members were present:
Micky
Harrington, acting President
Elmer Beardshall
Harry Halliwell
Ken Rhinehardt
Guests:
No guests present
Resource
providers present:
Bill
Powe
Sarah Moscript Herlon Pierce
I.
Approval of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the December 6, 2004 meeting of “Friends
of the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy handed
out to those present. Friend Elmer Beardshall moved that the minutes of the
December 6, 2004 meeting be approved as presented.
The motion was seconded by Friend Harry Halliwell and was unanimously
approved.
II.
Recognition of new members or guests- There
were no new members present, however, it was acknowledged that new members
have been gained since our last meeting. Friends membership now totals 91.
III.
Business
a.
As a matter
of information, Trail Manager Herlon Pierce, reported that the “Friends”
donation box has been installed and the “Friends” logo has been placed
on the box.
b.
A discussion
was held relative to the “No Stopping on Bridge” signs at the I59
overpass bridge. It was again
agreed that should vandals remove the signs that presently exist, a stencil
will be procured to paint “No Stopping on Bridge” on the bridge
abutment.
c.
Friend Harry
Halliwell again expressed his desire for the mile markers on the trail to
reflect actual mileage from the Gateway rather than reflecting the
historical milepost locations. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce pointed out that
the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District Board of
Directors had made the decision to use the historic milepost locations after
long and careful consideration to include the eventual construction of the
trail to the Downtown Hattiesburg area to or near the historic Milepost 0
location. Also included in that decision was the fact that all existing
permits for crossings and utilities are referenced to the historic mile
marker locations, as these crossing permits in most cases are recorded legal
documents in the various courthouses. Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce did however, invited Mr. Halliwell and the “Friends”
as a group to make a request of the Board of Directors if they wish.
d.
As a matter
of information, Gateway Manager Bill Powe made a brief report on the USM
Adventure Club plans, and stated that the Laurel Rotary Club has requested a
presentation on the Trace on January 22nd.
e.
“Friends”
president, Micky Harrington, asked if Mr. Butch Sims has been invoiced for
his sponsorship of a water cooler at the Jackson Road Station.
Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that he has not been invoiced,
but will be during the next few days.
f.
A general
discussion was held relative to the recent 5K Race/Walk held on January 1,
2005, from Clyde to Epley. Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce reported that newspaper articles indicated that there
were nearly 100 participants and it has been reported that the group donated
approximately $700 for a future educational project on the Longleaf
Trace.
g.
It was noted
by Friend Harry Halliwell that a tree identification project has been
installed by the Forrest/Lamar County Forestry Association from the Jackson
Rd. Station to MP 9. It was
further noted that several individuals have made positive comments relative
to the project and it was agreed that the project is a positive for the Longleaf
Trace and will obviously be an excellent educational tool.
h.
A general
discussion was held relative to the recent election of officers and the
inability to find an individual who is willing to serve as president.
It was agreed that Secretary-elect Ms. Leslie Farmer would be an
excellent choice for President of the “Friends of the Trace”
Acting President Harrington agreed that he will call Friend Leslie
Farmer and ask her if she would consider serving in the position of
President, and if she agrees, a secretary will then be sought.
.
IV.
President
Harrington asked if there was any further new or old business, and there
being none, by acclamation the meeting was adjourned at 6:40.
Read and approved on this date, February 7, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary
Date
Minutes
Regular
Monthly Meeting
February
7, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was
called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:00pm on
Monday, February 7, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the
Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St. at
which time the following members were present:
Leslie
Farmer- President Micky
Harrington, Immediate Past President
Butch Sims Suzanne
Sims
Alvin Justelien
Shari Justelien
Guests:
No guests present
Resource
providers present:
Bill
Powe
Herlon Pierce
I.
Approval of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the January 13, 2005 meeting of “Friends
of the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy handed
out to those present. Friend Butch Sims moved that the minutes of the
January 3, 2005, meeting be approved as presented.
The motion was seconded by Friend Shari Justelien and was unanimously
approved.
II.
Recognition of new members or guests- There
were no new members present, however, Friends Alvin and Shari Justelien are
attending their first meeting of “Friends”.
III.
Business
a.
Trail Manager
Herlon Pierce reported that MDOT has approved the painting of the wording
“LONGLEAF TRACE”
on the I59 Overpass bridge.
b.
Trail Manager
Herlon Pierce reported that MDOT has notified him that exit signs have been
approved for I59 leading to the Gateway at Southern Miss and the Jackson Rd.
Station.
c.
Trail Manager
Herlon Pierce reported that the Spring edition of the Rails-to-Trails
magazine will have a feature article on “Buddy’s Place”.
d.
Trail Manager
Herlon Pierce reported that he has been asked on several occasions by
Friends members, who are unable to attend the monthly meetings, to consider
changing the meeting night to Thursday, rather than Monday. Following as
extended discussion, Butch Sims moved that all friends members be surveyed
by postcard/questionnaire to determine the day most suitable for the Friends
meetings. The motion was
seconded by Friend Alvin Justelien and unanimously carried.( Friend Butch
Sims made a donation of $37 to the District for the purchase of necessary
postage for the survey.)
e.
A discussion
was held relative to increasing Friend memberships and particularly as to
why local trail user club members aren’t members of Friends. It was agreed
by acclamation to request Friend Elmer Beardshall to put something on the
Pine Belt Pacers Website and other known club websites soliciting Friends
members.
f.
Trail Manager
Herlon Pierce reported that the Friends donation box has been installed and
has received approximately $5 to $10 per week. Friends were asked by the Trail Manager to share their ideas
in making the donation box more prominent to trail users, hopefully
resulting in increased donations.
g.
Gateway
Manager Bill Powe asked if Friends would be interested in supporting the St.
Jude Bike-a-Thon. By
acclamation, it was agreed that Friends would assist at the Gateway with the
events if needed and duties are assigned.
h.
Gateway
Manager Bill Powe reported that the Southern Miss Art Department is
preparing for the “Art for Trails” program. Following a discussion, it
was determined that a 10’ X 10’ slab would be needed for each piece of
art and guidelines for the theme and structure for the pieces must be
developed for the art pieces. Concern was expressed for placing art pieces
along the trail due to their conflict with the natural environment, safety
concerns and concern for overdevelopment of the area between the Gateway at
Southern Miss and the 38th Ave./7th St. tunnel.
It was agreed that art pieces should be restricted to the Gateway at
Southern Miss and at the Stations and/or adjoining city parks along the
trail.
i.
A discussion
was held relative to the need for users to keep right when using the trail,
except for when passing. It was
agreed by acclamation to consider installing signs along the trail that
state “keep right except when passing” or of similar wording that
complies with the manual for uniform traffic control devices.
Other suggestions included painting footprints on the right side of
the trail and the possibility of Friends wearing vests with the wording “keep
right” on their back.
j.
A copy
of the general guidelines for the “Trailblazer”
award program was provided to those present. Friend
Butch Sims moved that the guidelines be approved and that the award be named
the “Bonnie Anglin Trailblazer Award” as recommended by James Moore in
honor of Mrs. Bonnie Anglin, an avid user and loyal supporter of the
Longleaf Trace who recently lost her life to cancer. It was further moved to
recognize several Bonnie Anglin Trailblazer Award recipients, based on the
guidelines, to initiate the program, and to thereafter recognize annually
only one Bonnie Anglin Trailblazer Award.
The motion was seconded by James Moore and unanimously approved. This
recommendation will be taken to the Board of Directors for their
consideration. See attached Trailblazer Award program guidelines.
k.
Mr. James
Moore nominated Bonnie and Fred Anglin for the 2005 annual “Bonnie Anglin
Trailblazer Award”. Friend Alvin Justelien seconded the nomination, and
there being no further nominations, Fred and Bonnie Anglin will be
recommended to the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational
District Board of Directors for the 2005 annual Bonnie Anglin Trailblazer
Award.
IV.
President
Leslie Farmer asked if there was any further new or old business, and there
being none, by acclamation the meeting was adjourned at 7:30.
Read and approved on this date, March 7, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary
Date
FRIENDS
OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE
Minutes
Regular
Monthly Meeting
March
7, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was
called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:15pm
on Monday, March 7, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the
Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St.
at which time the following members were present:
Leslie
Farmer- President Elmer
Beardshall, Acting Secretary
Francis Farmer
Butch Sims Suzanne Sims
Ed Crockett
James Moore
Nancy Munn
Guests:
No guests present
Resource
providers present:
Herlon
Pierce
Sarah Moscript
I.
Approval
of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the February 7, 2005 meeting of “Friends
of the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy
handed out to those present. Friend Elmer Beardshall moved that the
minutes of the February 7, 2005, meeting be approved as presented.
The motion was seconded by Friend Nancy Munn and was unanimously
approved.
II.
Recognition
of new members or guests- There
were no new members present, however there was an extended conversation
relative to the need for gaining additional members for the monthly
meeting. Several alternatives
were discussed such as inviting outside speakers, having the monthly
meeting around an event, door prizes, food and etc. There was also a
discussion about the possibility of changing the monthly meeting to a
different night or the possibility of meeting only quarterly.
No official action was taken, however, all of these possibilities
are under advisement.
III.
Business
a.
Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the questionnaire discussed in our
February meeting has not officially been prepared or mailed. Following a
discussion, it was agreed that the mailing should include questions about
a preferred time/date of monthly meetings, is there a preference for
quarterly meetings only, and to solicit ideas to create more interest in
the monthly meetings. Approval
of the discussed items was by acclamation.
b.
Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the Friends donation box has shown
some increase in collections during the last month, and that ideas
continue to be solicited to cause the donation box to be more prominent to
trail users, resulting in increased donations.
c.
Questions
were raised about the date of the St. Jude Bike-a-Thon, in which Friends
agreed in the February meeting to assist with at the Gateway.
It was agreed that Gateway Manager Bill Powe will advise Elmer
Beardshall of the date of the St. Jude Bike-a-Thon for posting on the
Trace website and for notification of the Friends members.
d.
A
further discussion was held relative to installing art pieces in and
around the Gateway at Southern Miss and at Stations and city parks
adjoining along the trail. Following an extended and thorough conversation
of the matter, it was agreed by unanimous consent that items of art would
most likely be a liability to the District, could cause extraordinary
maintenance and would interfere with the natural art of nature that exists
along the Longleaf Trace and therefore will not be supported by Friends of
the Longleaf Trace.
e.
A
discussion was held relative to the need for users to keep right when
using the trail, except when passing.
It was agreed that Trail Manager Herlon Pierce install the keep
right signs (one out in both directions from the stations) and install
signs that state “keep right except when passing” (one out in either
direction from each station), if in fact these wordings comply with the
manual of uniform traffic control devices.
f.
Friends
were made aware by a flyer of the “Ride of Silence”, in honor of
cyclists killed on the roads that will be held on May 18, 2005 at 7:00pm.
It was agreed by acclamation that the Friends will sponsor and host
a Ride of Silence per the flyer which is made a part of the minutes
hereof, and will post the flyer inviting riders via the website and
through media services.
g.
It
was agreed by acclamation to request the Board of Directors to install a
sign announcing the future site for the Jerry Ryan Memorial
Pavilion/Staging/Exercise area.
h.
A
discussion was held relative to the safety at trail crossings at a number
of street and highway crossings. Friend
Elmer Beardshall moved that Friends recommend to the Board of Directors
that letters be written to the Mississippi Department of Transportation
requesting their assistance with crossing safety devices at the state
highway crossings at Hwy 42, Hwy 35, and Hwy 84/13 bypass.
It was further moved that a letter be written to the Lamar County
Board of Supervisors requesting their consideration and their assistance
with crossing safely devices at Westover/West Hills drive and at Jackson
Rd. The motion was seconded by Friend Butch Sims and unanimously approved.
i.
Trial
Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the water coolers purchased through
sponsorships for the Jackson Rd. and Epley stations have been ordered and
will be installed within the month.
j.
Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce brought up the issue of the possibility of Friends
sponsoring a wildflower seed planting. Those present were requested to
invite someone who might be an expert in wildflower plantings to attend
our next meeting for discussion on the issue.
IV.
President
Leslie Farmer asked if there was any further new or old business, and
there being none, by acclamation the meeting was adjourned at 7:30.
Read and approved on this date, April 4, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary Date
FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF
TRACE
Minutes
Regular
Monthly Meeting
April
4, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was
called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:15pm
on Monday, April 4, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the
Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St.
at which time the following members were present:
Leslie
Farmer- President
Elmer Beardshall, Acting Secretary
Dr. Peter Kamp
Nancy Munn
Dr. David Halliwell
Guests:
Dr. Sam Rosso, retired botanist, USM
Chad Bolles St. Jude
Resource
providers present:
Herlon
Pierce
Sarah Moscript
I.
Approval of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the March 7, 2005 meeting of “Friends of
the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy handed
out to those present. The March 7, 2005 “Friends of the Longleaf Trace”
minutes were approved by acclamation.
II.
Recognition of new members or guests- Dr.
Peter Kamp was recognized as a first time participant in the “Friends”
meeting. Dr. Sam Rosso was our guest to provide an insight to the
possibility of establishing wildlife flowers along the Longleaf Trace.
a.
Chad Bolles,
St. Judes, asked for assistance in sponsoring the St. Jude’s
bike-a-thon. An extended
conversation was held, and President Leslie Farmer suggested that the
Hattiesburg Jaycees or a USM sorority might be willing to sponsor the
event, and the Friends would help, but the Friends could not be the
sponsor.
b.
Friend
Elmer Beardshall noted that he has requested assistance from The Museum of
Natural Science, and The Crosby Arboretum relative to wildflowers along
the Longleaf Trace. Dr. Sam Rosso is present tonight and available to
assist and/or answer questions relative thereto.
Dr. Rosso made a presentation relative to the planting of
wildflowers and suggested that there are a number of varieties that would
be applicable to the trail, however, during the seeding process, there is
a high possibility of establishing unwanted varieties that could create
long-term problems. Following
a lengthy discussion of questions and answers, Dr. David Halliwell
suggested that the wildflowers that currently exist along the trail are
native to the area, and that we should not establish non-native
wildflowers by planting along the trail. It was then generally agreed by
acclamation that experts should identify those wildflowers that are
predominant and native to the Longleaf Trace and possibly propagate those
in view of the fact that they are native to the area and fit the
environment of the Longleaf Trace. It was also agreed that an effort would
be made to secure the necessary assistance to identify the existing
wildflowers along the Longleaf trace and at that time a program will be
established based on those finds.
III.
Business
a.
As a matter
of information, Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that several of the
“Keep Right” signs have been installed between the Gateway at Southern
Miss and the Clyde Depot Station. Additional
signs will be installed as soon as the “Keep Right Except When Passing”
signs are available.
b.
A
conversation was held relative to the “Ride of Silence” to be
sponsored by Friends and held on May 18, 2005 at 7:00pm. It was agreed
that a banner would be installed promoting the “Ride of Silence”,
which will be from the Gateway at Southern Miss to Jackson Road and
return, and the banner will be installed in the Gateway Complex.
c.
Friend
Elmer Beardshall provided those present with information on the updated
Cross Alert System, and those Friends present reasserted their position
that the crossings at West Hills Drive, Jackson Rd., Hwy 589 Sumrall, Hwy
42 Sumrall, Hwy 35 Bassfield, J E Johnson Rd. near Prentiss and Hwy 84/13
Bypass Prentiss need additional safety warning devices as these
intersections present a variety of safety hazards.
d.
Trail
Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the water coolers purchased through
sponsorships by Friends for the Jackson Road and Epley Stations will be
installed on April 8, 2005.
A
number of other general items were discussed for possible future
consideration by Friends. It was agreed that making more information
available on the agenda items for upcoming meetings would help attendance
at Friends meetings, and Friend Elmer Beardshall agreed to include them in
future e-mail meeting reminders.
IV.
President
Leslie Farmer asked if there was any further new or old business, and
there being none, by acclamation the meeting was adjourned at 7:30.
Read and approved on this date, May 2, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Minutes
Regular
Monthly Meeting
May
2, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace”
was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately
6:10pm on Monday, May 2, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room
of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th
St. at which time the following members were present:
Leslie
Farmer- President
Elmer Beardshall, Acting Secretary
Ed Crockett
Nancy Munn
Dr. Peter Kamp
Janie Kamp
Guests:
Melinda Lyman, Curator/Botanist Crosby Arboretum
Dr. Sam Rosso, Retired Botanist, USM
Resource
providers present:
Herlon
Pierce
Sarah Moscript (until 6:30)
I.
Approval
of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the April 4, 2005 meeting of “Friends
of the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy
handed out to those present. The April 4, 2005 “Friends of the
Longleaf Trace” minutes were approved by acclamation.
II.
Recognition
of new members or guests-
a.
Mrs.
Janie Kamp was recognized as a first time participant in the Friends
meeting.
b.
Melinda
Lyman of the Crosby Arboretum and Dr. Sam Rosso were recognized as
guests to provide insight in the possibility of enhancing native
wildflowers, shrubs and trees along the Longleaf Trace. Melinda Lyman
accompanied Trail Manager Herlon Pierce, during the afternoon, on a tour
of the Longleaf Trace between the Gateway at Southern Miss and Sumrall
to gain a general knowledge of the presence of native wildflowers,
shrubs and trees. Ms. Lyman made a presentation to the Friends group
reviewing the more prominent species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees
in the gulf coastal region of the State of Mississippi which applies to
the Longleaf Trace area of the State. Following her very informative and
educational presentation, she concluded that the Longleaf Trace already
generally has what it needs and encouraged the Friends and the District
to educate and enhance what it already has. Ms. Lyman stated that if
there is an area of weakness, it would be in the shrub family and
suggested that the Longleaf Trace might consider the purchase and
planting of several varieties of native shrubs, one being the wild
azalea. She further pointed
out that further information is available in the publication “Gardening
with Native Plants of the South”, through the NRCS plants database by
the USDA, and through the Mississippi Native Plant Society.
She also suggested that the trace might pursue the master
gardener program in an effort the gain expertise at little or no cost.
Melinda also indicated that she and Trail Manager Herlon Pierce
have reviewed maintenance mowing schemes that will alternate the
frequency of mowing along the trail in order to allow native wildflower
seeds to mature, therefore enhancing these plants. President Leslie
Farmer thanked Ms. Melinda Lyman for her effort on behalf of the
Longleaf Trace and the members present expressed their appreciation.
III.
Business
a.
Resource
provider Sarah Moscript informed the Friends that the Delta Delta Delta
Sorority will sponsor and manage the St. Jude’s Bike a Thon.
b.
President
Leslie Farmer informed the Friends that Trail Manager Herlon Pierce has
reported that the concerns of Friend of the LLT for certain
intersections along the Trace in need for safety devices has been
properly brought to the attention of the Board of Directors and the
appropriate governing authorities along the Trail.
c.
Friend
Nancy Munn asked about progress in procuring a banner for the Ride of
Silence to be held May 18th at 7:00 pm.
Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that an effort will be made
to procure the banner and promotional materials by the end of the
current week, of May 13, 2005.
d.
A
discussion was held relative to the possibility of procuring sponsors
for safety devices at critical and dangerous intersections along the
Longleaf Trace through organizations such as the Asbury Foundation.
Friend Nancy Munn moved that Trail Manager Herlon Pierce pursue the
possibility of sponsorship and/or grants for intersection/safety devices
with Ms. Stacy Michele of the Asbury Foundation, and/or other
appropriate organizations. Following a motion by Nancy Munn and second by Janie Kamp,
the motion was unanimously approved.
e.
President
Leslie Farmer declared that in view of it being near 7:30 pm that the
meeting is adjourned.
Read and approved on this date, July 11, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary
Date
FRIENDS
OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE
Minutes
Regular
Quarterly Meeting
August
1, 2005
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was
called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:07 pm
on Monday, August 1, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the
Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St.
at which time the following members were present:
Leslie
Farmer- President; Elmer Beardshall, Acting Secretary; Ed Crockett; Nancy
Munn; Suzanne Sims; Butch Sims; Becky Ryder; Hollie Ryder; Bill Powe; and
John Harsh
Guests:
There were no guests
Resource
providers present: Gateway Manager Bill Powe
I.
Approval of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the May 2, 2005 meeting of “Friends of
the Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, and a copy handed
out to those present. The May 2, 2005 “Friends of the Longleaf Trace”
minutes were approved by acclamation.
II.
Business
a.
Friend
Nancy Munn reported on the May 18th Ride of Silence. 32 persons
participated. Nancy said that rides in other towns got more visibility by
riding the streets, and perhaps part of our ride should be on the streets
next time.
b.
Friend and
Gateway Manager Bill Powe reported on the June 5th National
Trails Day event. Over 300 persons attended, well above the 200 expected.
200 t-shirts were ordered and registration was cut-off at 200, but an
additional 100 (estimated) came later.
c.
Friend and
Gateway Manager Bill Powe reported that he is planning to have more events
on the Trace. He hopes to have one grand scale event (To be determined),
and several 2nd level events along the lines of the National
Trails Day on the first Saturday in June and the Birthday Challenge on the
second Saturday in November.
d.
Friend and
Gateway Manager Bill Powe distributed a proposed Friends budget.
e.
Friend
Elmer Beardshall reminded the group that it had been decided to plant
native shrubs this fall, and that money was in the budget for this
purpose. President Leslie Framer asked him to contact Melinda Lyman and
find out when the Crosby Fall plant sale would be scheduled.
f.
Friend Ed
Crockett again expressed a desire to see signs erected to tell trail users
when they crossed a county line.
g.
Friend
Nancy Munn stated that the new markers (indicating distance from the
stations) painted on the Trace are very useful to runners and walkers.
h.
Friend and
Gateway Manager Bill Powe reported that he would like to make some changes
to the Friends Brochure. A vote was taken to include a small map rather
than a picture of the Gateway building. After much discussion of various
possible brochure features, Friend Elmer Beardshall made the motion to
allow Friend Bill Powe to use his discretion in deciding the details of
the changes to be made. It was seconded by Friend Leslie Farmer and passed
by acclamation.
i.
Friend
Hollie Ryder complained about trash being thrown over the embankment onto
the Trace near the 7th Street overpass. Bill Powe stated that
the city was taking action to have this stopped. Another Youth Challenge
session is starting soon and trash pickup along the Trace will be
improved.
j.
Friend Bill
Powe informed the group that the plans for the Jerry Ryan Memorial
facility are almost complete. DEQ is presently completing their
environmental impact study.
k.
Friend Bill
Powe reported that there were now 127 Friends of the Trace members
l.
Friend Bill
Powe stated that the work being done on the tracks between the Gateway and
downtown (removing rails and ties) is under contract to Illinois Central
and is a routine part of the abandonment process.
m.
Nancy Munn
reported a problem with golf carts not yielding to other users as the
rules require. Several other members also reported seeing young people
using golf carts.
III.
There
being no other business, President Leslie Farmer declared the meeting
adjourned at 7:02pm.
Read and approved on this date, October 3, 2005
____________________
______________________
President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary
Date
Minutes
Regular Quarterly Meeting
October 3, 2005
The regularly scheduled meeting of the "Friends of the Longleaf Trace" was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:06 pm on Monday, October 3rd, 2005, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St. at which time the following members were present:
Leslie Farmer- President; Harry Halliwell – Vice President; Elmer Beardshall, Acting Secretary; Ed Crockett; Nancy Munn; Butch Sims; Becky Ryder; Hollie Ryder; James Moore; Lisa Blount; Mary Smith; Dow Ford; Renee ford; and Luke Logan Ford.
Guests: A gardening expert, Diane Lafferty, attended at the invitation of Friend Becky Ryder
Resource providers: Trail Boss Herlon Pierce
I. Approval of Minutes: A copy of the minutes of the August 1, 2005 meeting of "Friends of the Longleaf Trace" had been posted on the Trace web site. The August 1, 2005 "Friends of the Longleaf Trace" minutes were approved by acclamation.
II. Business
a. Leslie Farmer and Trail Boss Herlon Pierce reported on the contracts and status of the clearing of the Trace.
b. New officers were nominated and elected as follow:
i President – Leslie Farmer
ii Vice President – Butch Sims
iii Secretary – Mary Smith
c. Friend Becky Ryder reported that the Pine Belt Pacers plan to hold a run to benefit the Trace on October 8th, and all proceeds will be contributed to the Trace.
d. Friend Nancy Munn asked about the progress on the lights project. Trail Boss Herlon Pierce reported that the money had been raised, but during the fundraising period the price of the project had gone up considerably, and negotiations were underway to renegotiate a contract.
e. Friend James Moore reported that Moore’s’ Bicycle Shop and Hattiesburg Bicycle Center had gone together to sponsor a commercial to inform the public about the Trace. He reported that a large percentage of his new customers have never been on the Trace, and many do not know of it. The showing was originally scheduled for October but has been postponed until the Trace is completely reopened.
f. Friend Elmer Beardshall reported that due to the storm Katrina the Crosby Arboretum is closed until further notice and therefore their fall plant sale scheduled for October 7-8 has been cancelled.
g. Friend Lisa Blount reported that her father Mayor Blount would like to attend the next meeting and explain the details of the plan to create a path from the Trace to Jeff Davis Lake. Trail Boss Herlon Pierce said that an endorsement by the Friends would encourage the District Board of Directors to pursue this project. Friend Butch Sims made the motion that the Friends endorse this project, and this motion passed by acclamation.
h. Trail Boss Herlon Pierce reported that he had made appeals to several organizations, including the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the League of American Bicycling, and the Bicycle Advocacy Group of Mississippi for financial or other help in reopening the Trace. He reported that clearing contracted for this week is only the first step of many that will be necessary. For example: Mr. Fagan, the Trace’s forester volunteer has raised concerns about damaged trees, and the possibility of insect infestation caused by damage and stress from the storm. Also the initial clearing will only remove debris that lies within 15 feet of the pavement, so much more clearing and moving debris will be desirable. Trail Boss Herlon Pierce asked all Friends to contact any organizations they were members of or knew of that might be willing to help with financing of further improvements.
i. Friend Nancy Munn proposed that the Friends hold an event on the Trace as soon as possible after it is cleared. The motion carried and Trail Boss Herlon Pierce stated that November 15th or later would be safe for scheduling an event. It was decided to call a special Friends meeting not later than November 7th to finalize this event.
j. Friend Becky Ryder introduced Diane Lafferty, a plant expert with the Audubon Society, who has volunteered to advise us on planting shrubs and possibly butterfly gardens along the Trace. She discussed possible plantings and will create a list of appropriate and available flora.
III. There being no other business, Vice President Butch Sims (who was presiding after President Leslie Farmer left to attend another meeting) declared the meeting adjourned at 7:05pm.
Read and approved on this date, November 7, 2005
____________________ ______________________
President Date
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Secretary Date
FRIENDS OF THE
LONGLEAF TRACE
Minutes
Quarterly Meeting
The
regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called
to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately
Leslie
Farmer- President
Guests:
None
Resource
providers present:
Bill Powe,
Gateway Manager
I.
Approval of Minutes:
A copy of the minutes of the October 3, 2005 meeting of “Friends of the
Longleaf Trace” was posted on the Trace web site, a copy of the minutes were
not available to present at the meeting, however, by acclamation, the October
3, 2005 “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” minutes were approved as posted on the
Longleaf Trace website.
II.
Recognition of new members or
guests-
III.
Business
a.
Gateway Manager Bill Powe reported
that the Hurricane Katrina clean-up is now complete and the entire trace has
now been reopened.
b.
The Steam Whistle 12K Run is being
held at Clyde Depot again this year. It will start at 9:00 am on Saturday
December 31. Full details about the event can be viewed on the Pine Belt Pacers
web site at www.pinebeltpacers.org.
c.
Gateway Manager Bill Powe reported
on the Longleaf Trace Coloring Book Contest. Pictures of the awards ceremony
are on the Longleaf Trace web site.
d.
A discussion was held relative to
the possibility of procuring sponsors for safety devices at critical and
dangerous intersections along the Longleaf Trace. As of this date, there are no sponsors.
e.
President Leslie Farmer declared
that in view of it being nearly
Read and approved on this date,
____________________
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President
Date
____________________
______________________
Secretary Date