SYRACUSE — Goals, short-term objectives and current projects were discussed at the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee meeting Monday evening, Feb. 15.

The committee gave updates on the Conklin Bay and Eli Lilly Road projects.

Regarding the Conklin Bay boardwalk and trail project, first, Earth Source LLC must submit plans. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2017.

“One of our goals is to raise money for that,” said Erick Leffler, chairman of the board. “We need to start raising funds.”

Boring work still needs to be done. Ken Pearish, a new board member, will reach out to several boring companies.

Century Link will be moving phone boxes on Eli Lilly Road in late March or early April. Work is expected to take 20 to 30 days. Pulver Asphalt and Paving is scheduled to work immediately following the move. The existing drainage on the road is not sufficient and will need to be enlarged or it may need to install an additional drainage pipe from the basin to the lake or catchment pond. Pulver is unsure of where the drainage currently goes. It will cost $250-$300, which the board approved, to locate a head to determine the drainage issue.

Plans for the Pickwick Drive and SR 13 crossing are moving along. Megan McClellan sent in the signed contract with Earth Source LLC. The next step is for the company to perform a survey. Earth Source will do this as soon as the snow clears. Survey work is expected to be done by March 4. Final plans will be completed by April 15.

Objectives and goals for 2016 were mentioned. These include the Conklin Bay project, outreach, schools, signs and maintenance, fundraising and construction. More social media presence was suggested and starting an Instagram account was given a positive approval. The committee already has an active Facebook page. A new trail to the new Syracuse Elementary School that is currently being built was discussed.
Last year, the Laudeman Family Charitable Fund pledged up to $25,000 to match donations received from individuals through Dec. 31. The committee heard that that match got met and the family matched the full $25,000.

Events, like Tour des Lakes and the fall concert, were discussed. The Tour des Lakes is July 9 and is a major fundraiser for the trails. Last year, the committee received $2,500 from the proceeds of the bike ride.
A date or location has not been set for the fall concert, a major fundraiser for the trail committee. However, different venues were discussed.

Tom Edington, treasurer, gave the treasurer’s report. For the month ending Jan. 31, there was over $3,800 in expenses and $4,875 in donations.

Last year, the committee received $494,610.91 in donations and received $130,000 in grants. After expenses, there was $331,960 available for current and new projects, as of Dec. 31.

“All our funds increased,” said McClellan. “We will also continue to apply for grants and bring in donations,” said McClellan.

Outreach, communication and website sponsorships were noted. There are seven sponsors for the website. The total cost is $852, of which $700 of that has been raised.

Volunteer of the Month is Leffler. The board also welcomed two new potential volunteers.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. March 21, at the Syracuse Community Center.