COMMITTEE FOR THE DEVOLA MULTI-USE TRAIL (DMUT)

The twenty-sixth meeting of the DMUT was held December 18, 2017, at the Broughton offices.

ATTENDANCE: George Broughton, Jean Leeper, George Banziger, Judy Lewis, Paul Lewis and Sherry Ellem.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Jean Leeper distributed copies of the ODNR grant spread sheet created by Pamela Lankford, Muskingum Twp. Treasurer. There is $.78 in the Marietta Community Foundation account. It is anticipated that the account will be enriched by $11,000. In the next two months there are anticipated receipts of $7000. from the Ohio Department of Health grant, $3000. from the Marietta Rowing and Cycling Club and a $1000. donation from Smith Concrete. Jean Leeper expressed her appreciation for the assistance that Carolyn Dempsey and Pamela Lankford have provided in the financial management of the ODNR grant.

George Broughton gave a report on trail construction. One of the panels on the new bridge is not done to satisfaction because the concrete froze. The panel will be repaired this upcoming spring in warmer weather. The striping on the trail is temporary. Two more layers of paint and a sealant will be added this upcoming spring. Paul Lewis commended George Broughton for the terrific job he has done as general contractor for our project.

George Banziger reviewed the multi-step process entailed in getting approval for the ODNR grant.

Paul Lewis gave a brief update on the WWW engineering study. Ron Maddox from Woolpert Engineering is going to meet with Muskingum Twp. trustee Ken Schilling to schedule a public meeting date.

Paul Lewis described the Complete Streets concept that Jayne Call from the Washington County Health Dept. has requested the DMUT board consider endorsing which would affect future DMUT planning. The intent is to maximize the number of transportation options available within the public right-of-way. George Broughton moved that the resolution be approved. Jean Leeper seconded the motion. All approved.

Paul Lewis reported that Jayne Call from the Washington County Health Dept. would like to have the Muskingum Twp. trustees also approve the Complete Streets Resolution before funding is supplied for the bollards. Paul and George Banziger will talk further with Jayne about an approval from the DMUT board serving as a demonstration to the community of initiatives to make user-friendly roadways, e.g. the leg of the DMUT, which will be on Millcreek Road, eventually crossing SR 60 to the park area on State Route 60 recently donated to the Broughton Foundation. There are plans to develop recreational opportunities in that area. George Broughton has scheduled a Marietta Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event for Tuesday, May 10, 2018, to showcase the Broughton Complex and also highlight the recreational opportunities of the Broughton Nature Preserve. During this event, George suggested that the DMUT be highlighted. Plans thus far are for refreshments to be served in the Pavilion and for tours to be offered of Building 25 and the new doctors office. George suggested that tours of the trail be offered and that points of interest be highlighted along the trail. Publicity for trail donors should be provided and media should be contacted to publicize the event. Jean Leeper and Judy Sites agreed to organize the trail presentation.

Sherry Ellem has loaned a Go-Pro to video the trail. Jim Grecni has done an initial ride to obtain footage demonstrating the difference between riding streets and the trail. George Broughton suggested that such a video needs editing and musical enhancement is helpful.

Ohio Dept. of Transportation has agreed to provide a sign for the crossing of the DMUT to the new donated parkland.

Paul Lewis suggested that all of us should monitor the trail for safety issues.

George Broughton suggested that the DMUT Committee emphasis in 2018 should be on trail improvements.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Jean Leeper, Secretary