TOW Meeting Dec. 9, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 1719 hours. Present were Mike Huinker, Marty Grim, Kathy Bakken, Dave Bakken, John Hjelle, Randy Uhl, Kirk Johnson, Barb Wilkerson.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read by Kathy and approved as read.

Financial report is current balance is $4996.39.

Marty suggested that TOW may want to become more involved in the promotion of and participation in mountain bike trails in the area. Hitherto TOW’s emphasis has been on surfaced trails, with most of our energy devoted to the Fish Hatchery segment. There is a very active local group interested in off-road trails that has expressed a desire to see more TOW official involvement events and construction projects. Most of these folks have been unable to attend the monthly meeting due to scheduling problems; it was suggested many more could come to a meeting if it were 6:15 instead of 5:15. Kirk mentioned the Hotel-Motel web site could be used to promote off-road trails with the maps which are available on the TOW web site. Marty stated the mountain bike trail signage project is still in process.

Moved by Hjelle, seconded by Wilkerson that next three meetings be at 6:15 and then re evaluate. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. We will ask Steve Krieg if the meeting can be held at Team Rehab.

John noted that in the October 9 meeting with Jerry Freund and Rick Edwards, Mr. Freund had agreed to arrange an organizational meeting with all appropriate parties to discuss issues and assign responsibility for construction of the Bowstring Bridge- Fish Hatchery trail segment. After discussion we feel participants should include representatives from Decorah City Council, Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, County Conservation Commission, DNR, Decorah Parks and Recreation, Upper Explorerland, Winneshiek County Tourism, Winneshiek County Development, City Engineer, County Engineer, NRCS, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and property owners directly and peripherally involved, which would be Marylin and Fred Holland, Hjelle Farms, Inc., Mike Voltmer, Decorah Auto Center, Inc., Rick and Cynthia Carlson, Joe and Ingrid Callaghan.

Discussion Topics will include:

Trail ownership

Insurance

Property Acquisition

Easement issues

Maintenance Agreements

Stream bank Stabilization

Mowing

Litter Pickup

Resurfacing

Bridges

Fencing

Engineering

Survey of Trail Corridor

Topographical Mapping

Design mapping, material and grades…

Bridge Design

Soil Borings

Watershed Analysis

Sovereign Lands

Hydraulic Analysis

Joint Application to Army Corps of Engineers and DNR for Flood Plain

Cost Estimates

NRCS Riperian Buffer Strip

Other

Moved by Hjelle and seconded by Huinker to write a letter to Bill Kalishek (DNR) inquiring as to status of land acquisition. Passed by voice vote .

New and Old business included brief discussion of summer projects, Vennehjem Trail and Other projects.

Meeting was adjourned at 1845 hours.

Respectfully Submitted

David R. Bakken, Sec’y