Girdwood Trails Committee
Minutes of Regular Meeting

Girdwood School, 7:00 pm 
Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Call to Order
Carolyn Brodin called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Norman Starkey recorded the meeting. Others present were Jonnie Lazarus, Brian Burnett, Matt Wedeking, and Andy Morrison.

Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as written.

Approval of Minutes, November  5, 2008
The minutes were approved  as written.

Introduction of Guests
Larry Daniels, Alyeska Resort, came to give  a presentation on Tract F.

Old Business
Trails Issues
Winter Grooming
 Carolyn reported that the groomers have been out several  times  already.  Winter grroming issues discussed and resolved were:
	
	Key to the snow machine—it was agreed that the machine will work with or 
without  a key. 

	Confusion about proper trails to groom—because it is the beginning of the
season, volunteers should be reminded not to groom the trails to the left side of the meadow after Enchanted Bridge.  Carolyn will call Todd to make sure all groomers understand this.

	 The drag on snow machine needs fixing—Brian will tell Jonnie how much this
will cost, and she will purchase the parts. Brian will fix it.

	Fuel—Groomers can either keep a receipt tally to exceed $50 and give receipts to
Jonnie or contact her on Tuesday or Thursday mornings at work to have her purchase the fuel. Jonnie mentioned that there will be a freeze on money December 15-31; she encouraged members to purchase fuel before then.

Other Trails Issues
Carolyn mentioned that Diana Livingston will talk to John Byrne III to see if he agrees that his donation can be used to order and stockpile materials for summer work.  We could also order and have materials delivered at a much later date, rather than stockpiling them. 

Carl Skustad is having trouble with the lock on the shed. This needs to be fixed.

Budget
	Jonnie said that the GBOS left the proposed Trails budget intact. Although she did not have the exact figures, she said that we will receive $20,000 for SAGA, $2,000 for equipment and funds for maps/advertising.
	Brian has volunteered to write grants, and Norman will help. Jonnie will send them various models for guidance. Isobel Roy, MOA, may be able to help with the next bike path initiative.  

Tract F
Larry Daniels presented Alyeska Resort’s plan for trails on Tract F. He distributed a map with an explanatory document to members. He explained the Resort management’s trail plan and reasoning. 

	Trail Description
The Resort would like to replace the old trail with a rerouted, more stable, root-free, drier trail. The new “Middle Creek Trail” will be a Class 3 trail for pedestrians and bikers with a 30” tread/ 48” grooming clearance. Trees will be judiciously cut, and big trees saved.

The Middle Winner Creek Trail will go from Challenge Alaska to the bike path next to the Alyeska Hotel. The first section near Challenge is planned to be a hard trail next to the new road, Verbier Way. This portion is the Chapter 21-required pedestrian path next to all new roads. From Verbier, the trail will meander through Tract F and meet the service road near Chair 7.  The “Water Line Trail” will be improved and meet the Middle Winner Creek Trail. The old trail will become part of Tract C.  

The Trails Committee will be responsible for this new trail and its connectors. 

	Forest Service Agreement
Larry said that US Forest Service has a permit (easement) near Tract F, and the Resort is negotiating an agreement whereby Alyeska gives free parking for and a non-specific, non-revocable easement to the Winner Creek Trailhead near the tram. The Forest Service will then give up their permit for the old Winner Creek XC ski trails.

	Schedule
Larry anticipates a GBOS second reading in January 2009, permitting accomplished this spring, and construction beginning as soon as the snow melts in May. This will be their first construction project during 2009.

	Request  and Approval
With the understanding that Alyeska will design and construct the trail as Larry described, he requested approval for the following: 

1.  Middle Winner Creek Trail and the pedestrian hard trail along Verbier Way are the same trail.

2.  There is a construction easement across Tract F from Park and Recreation to build across Tract F.

3.  The trade agreement with the Forest Service as specified above is satisfactory.

4.  The old Middle Winner Creek Trail is abandoned, and no one but Alyeska Resort can claim it.

5.  The Committee will have input into the final design.

The Committee voted unanimously to approve  this plan. 

Larry asked that a letter of support or non-objection be sent to the GBOS and invited members to come and walk the route this coming May.  He plans to send the package to Tom Korosei, Parks and Recreation Planner, tomorrow. Jonnie also will email Tom.

Revision of Trails Map
This summer map needs to be extensively revised soon, so the Committee will
address the topic in January. Ian Moore helped Norman last time.  Norman will try to find any past information that he has at home.

Updates
	GAP Revision Community Meeting—no news.

	Nordic/Multi-Use Trail—Brian reported that the committee has obtained a letter
of non-objection from Land Use and goes to GBOS next. They also have applied for a $20,000 grant from GBOS. 

Brian continued that the alignment from the final feasibility study will change and the timber cutting will start next winter. The construction will be in phases, but the group must raise money for the whole system. The yellow loop will be built first, the red second.

New Business
Designations for Committee Members—postponed

Other Business
Andy announced that he has a winter trail map coming out in the Turnagain Times Recreation Guide.  The Committee would like to see the map again before agreeing to print further copies. 

Jonnie will give Brian more summer maps at his request. 

Next meeting is January 6, 2009
7:00 pm Girdwood Community Center