Girdwood Trails Committee
Minutes of Regular Meeting
Glacier City Hall, 7:00 pm 
Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Call to Order
Vice Chair Norman Starkey called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m.  Diana Livingston acted as secretary for the meeting.  Others present: Alison Rein, Jonnie Lazarus, Mark Jonas, Matt Wedeking, Tom Swanson, Carolyn Brodin, Andy Morrison and Todd Foisy, a new member.

Approval of Agenda
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the agenda was unanimously approved.

Approval of Minutes, October 2, 2007
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the Girdwood Trails Committee Regular Meeting of October 2, 2007 were unanimously approved as presented.

Introduction of Guests
Todd Foisy, a new member of the Girdwood Trails Committee introduced himself.

Old Business
1.  Trails Issues
A.  Alyeska Highway Bridge/Bike Path Repairs: Alison Rein reported that the areas urgently needing repairs were marked.  Shallow underground cables in the areas needing repair were found so the repairs cannot be made for the money available at this time.  Repair funding has been requested in the MOA capital budget.
B.  Hand Tram Repair: High use of this popular conveyance and lack of ongoing maintenance could be the reason for the tram cable failure.  The tram could require inspection twice a year with maintenance procedures if needed.  It is clear that year round maintenance for the hand tram is needed. Jonnie will prepare information to go out to bid and bring it to the next meeting.  Any suggestions should be given to Jonnie now.  Dave Wilson has agreed to perform the annual tram inspection as a volunteer.  He is certified to do inspections.  Rob Martin could do the repair work, but unless he does it as a volunteer the paperwork would be too burdensome.  There is a person at Hilltop Ski Area who could do the repairs.  Dave Wilson says the cost should be about $1000.  Starkey and Swanson will follow up to get more information for the next meeting. 
C.	Winter Use Issues;
Grooming: Mark Jonas reported that he will work on grooming for the season.  Todd Foisy will understudy with Mark.  Andy Morrison will help.  A coordinator for grooming volunteers is needed.  Persons interested in learning winter trail grooming should email Mark Jonas.  Alyeska resort will help with our snow machine maintenance.  Andy Morrison has a map showing where to groom.  New groomers will need orientation.

Enchanted Forest Bridge: The wood has been delivered to the site.  Trails Committee thanks Alpine Air and Keith Essex for taking the wood to the bridge site by helicopter, and thanks EE/CC for bringing the wood from Anchorage.
D.	Other Trails Issues:

The group discussed traffic calming on Alyeska Highway and flood control issues in development areas.

Carolyn Brodin asked that the Girdwood Trails Committee find a way to get better access to the Wagon Trail.

Norman Starkey reported that Abe’s Trail and the Beaver Pond Trail are in good shape.

Other Trails Issues, Cont.

The committee discussed the ordinance requiring only nonmotorized use on Girdwood trails.  There have been many violations of this ordinance.  Jonnie Lazarus will send a proposed “No Motorized Use” sign around, and will have some signs made.  Suggestions on placement of the signs can be sent to Jonnie.

2.  Budget— Jonnie Lazarus reported that the 2006 National Park Service grant reimbursement should be paid soon, and expects the 2007 NPS grant paperwork to be sent shortly.  Jonnie reported that spending from the Trails budget has not used all the allocated funds to date.  Discussion followed regarding purchases that should be made before yearend.  Trails Committee has $2772.96 deposited with Girdwood Inc.  Jonnie explained that she is looking in to purchasing a conex large enough to store equipment and materials so we can order in advance and have a place to store them.  Cost is expected to be about $6000.  This subject will be discussed at the December meeting.

3.	Girdwood South Townsite Master Plan Subcommittee: Alison Rein and Jonnie Lazarus reported on the initial subcommittee meeting and the community meetings November 1, 2 and 3.  Trail setbacks in the planning area will be protected.

4.	Resolution for Trails Dedication to be presented to Land Use Committee:  The IGP process would not be requested from future developers, only dedicated trails.  Jonnie Lazarus will prepare a resolution to be discussed at the December Trails Committee meeting.  We will ask to be on the January Land Use Committee meeting with this resolution.

5.	Girdwood Area Plan Revision and Trails: Matt Wedeking reported he is working on this matter.

New Business

1.	The MOA Bike Plan was discussed with the Bike Path and Bridge repairs.  Discussion followed regarding traffic not stopping for pedestrians and bikers at the Alyeska/Hightower intersection.
2.	Winter Activity Guide: Jonnie Lazarus presented a draft for the 2007/2008 winter guide.  The group decided to have the same trails in this guide as before.  Jonnie would like to use some good photos of winter activities on the trails and asks that anyone who has photos that could be used please send them to her.
3.	Graffiti on the Glacier Creek Bridge: Jonnie Lazarus will look into “Graffiti Busters” and report at the next meeting.

Other Business
	
1.	The group was reminded to attend the Mayor’s Girdwood Town Hall Meeting November 7.
2.	Jonnie reported on the 2008 Fungus Fair.  Funds for this event will be handled through Girdwood Inc.

Following discussion, upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:40 pm.

Next meeting is Tuesday, December 4, 2007
7:00 pm at Glacier City Hall