SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee discussed goals and gave an update on current projects at its first meeting of the year Monday evening, Jan. 18.

Current trail projects were among the topics discussed. As far as the Conklin Bay project, Earth Source is in discussions with several companies regarding borings to determine the depth the boardwalk pillars need to be set in the wetlands. Currently, all companies have said they are unable to perform these borings.

“If we can’t get an accurate depth for the pillar foundations, the cost estimates will have a very wide range,” said executive director Megan McClellan. Harkless Foundation has granted the trails $13,500 for the Conklin Bay project.

For the Eli Lilly trail widening project, $77,733 in donations have been raised so far.

“We received an updated estimate from Pulver Asphalt and Paving that includes the rolled curb, two drainage inlets and catch basins and piping to connect these basins to existing drainage,” said McClellan.

Only three boxes, not the original four, will need to be moved. This reduces the cost by $3,650 now, which is approximately $40,000 more than originally estimated. McClellan has applied to K21 Foundation for the $40,000.

As far as the Pickwick and SR 13 crossing, a bid from Earth Source was approved at a cost of $9,630. The proposal is for the creation of engineering drawings for the trail on Pickwick where it crosses SR 13. The proposal is needed so INDOT can install a pedestrian light.

McClellan applied for a grant from IU Health Goshen Community Benefit Fund for $20,000. It will cover the total cost of the engineering drawings for the Pickwick and SR 13 crossing and the planning and design of the Conklin Bay section (of $10,370). The dual-pronged application was its suggestion.

New Chairperson Erick Leffler explained his goals for this year. Among them are to finish the Eli Lilly Road trail and the SR 13 crossing. He also wants to see the planning for the Conklin Bay section finished and fundraising completed.

McClellan added she would like to establish a maintenance plan.

Several new volunteers were introduced. One volunteer had ideas for trail logo swag, such as T-shirts. She is also helping with the design of posters for upcoming events and looking at the website.

A new volunteer, Bruce Hopen, is interested in trail maintenance. Five bids for maintenance were discussed but not approved.

Treasurer Tom Edington gave the financial update. As of Dec. 31, there is a balance of $533,068.64. Donations have totaled more than $41,000.

The Tails and Trails community dog walk is Saturday, April 23. Jodi Buhrt discussed other upcoming events at the meeting. Tour des Lakes is July 9. A grant for $2,500 was awarded from the Harkless Foundation for marketing.

Next Indiana Campfires, sponsored by Indiana Humanities, was also mentioned. This may be an event hosted on the trails in Syracuse this summer for Indiana’s bicentennial.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. Feb. 15.