Minutes of the Friends of the Trace

2007 Minutes: Mar Jun Jul Jul 23 Aug 6 Sep Oct 1

Minutes

Special Meeting

January 15th, 2007

A special meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:03pm on Monday, January 15th, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St. at which time the following members were present:
Leslie Farmer- President

Butch Sims-Vice President
Ed Crockett
Nancy Munn
Elmer Beardshall

Guests: None

Resource providers present: Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager

I. Recognition of new members or guests- None

II. Old Business

a. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the bids on the Jerry Ryan Pavilion had been received and were rejected as being over budget. The architect is reworking the plans and the project will be re-bid.

b. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the contracted work on the horse trail has been completed. The horse trail can now be navigated by wagon from Epley to Sumrall, and plans are underway to extend the wagon portion of the horse trail 4 more miles toward Bassfield.

c. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the Denbury Beaver Pond Festival was a great success. There were 40 riders at Sumrall for the bike ride, and 119 registered at the Beaver Pond.

d. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the construction on West Hills Drive has commenced. This will greatly increase the safety at this crossing by improving the sight lines west of the Trace. When completed, West Hills Drive will connect with Westover Drive at a 4 way stop, instead of continuing across 4th Street.

e. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that work on the lighting project has commenced. It will use funds raised by The Leaders of the New Century, and light the Trace from the Gateway to a point several hundred yards past 7th Street.

III. New Business

The text for the Longleaf Trace Etiquette signs was discussed and revised. The new text and approval to use Friends funds to purchase the signs was approved by acclamation.
Friend Nancy Munn reported that the bumps near Jackson Station are getting worse. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that root cutting and repaving of these bumps and the ones west of Sumrall are on the maintenance schedule.
Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the rules for operating golf carts had been revised by the PTLRRTT Board and he had been given authority to issue and revoke permits.
Friend Elmer Beardshall requested that the Friends ask the USM art department to create a mural on the Trace side of the storage units at West Hills Drive. No action was taken.
Trail Manager Herlon Pierce suggested that the Friends have a spring event to help raise funds for the improvements at the Beaver Pond. After some discussion it was decided to hold a bicycle ride June 16th or 23rd. Friend Butch Sims volunteered to head up the event committee. It will be a century ride with 25 and 50 mile options. President Leslie Farmer suggested that since this event needed action before the next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting in March, another meeting was needed. The members voted to have the next meeting Monday February 5th at 6 pm in the Gateway.
President Leslie Farmer declared that there being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned as of 7:35 pm.

Read and approved on this date, March 5, 2007

____________________ ______________________

President Date

____________________ ______________________

Secretary Date

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Quarterly Meeting

March 5, 2007

The regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the Vice President, Butch Sims, at approximately 6:00pm on Monday, March 5, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St. at which time the following members were present: Butch Sims - Vice President, Leslie Farmer- President (Arrived 6:10), Ed Crockett, Becky Ryder, Hollie Ryder, Donny Corker, Nancy Munn, Joe Flynt, and Elmer Beardshall.

Guests: None

Resource providers present: Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager

I. Approval of Minutes: A copy of the minutes of the January 15th meeting of “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” had been posted on the Trace web site. By acclamation, these minutes were approved as posted on the Longleaf Trace website.

II. Recognition of new members or guests- None

III. Old Business

a. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the county and city signs have been placed.

b. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the etiquette signs are due in next week and will be placed at each station.

c. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the board has approved repairing all significant bumps and bids have been solicited.

d. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that all graffiti is being repaired weekly.

e. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the lighting project is complete and there will be a dedication ceremony at 7:45 pm on March 22nd. This $30,000 project was sponsored by the Leaders of the New Century.

f. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the work on the equestrian trail is complete and the Trail Riders have scheduled an event for March 31st.

g. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the architect has finished the revisions to the plans for the Jerry Ryan Pavilion and the project will be rebid.

h. Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the Prentiss Rotary club has made a donation to the trace and asked that an activity pavilion be included in the future plans.

IV. New Business

Butch Sims led a discussion of the event to help raise funds for the improvements at the Beaver Pond. Tentative details: $25 entry fee. 25, 50, 100K and 82 mile distances. June 16th or October 20th. Butch will make up a flyer and distribute to the bike clubs.
The annual Ride of Silence is scheduled for May 16th7th this year.
The National Trails Day event would be June 2nd this year.
President Leslie Farmer suggested that since several of the new business items needed action before the next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting in June, another meeting was needed. The members voted to have the next meeting Monday April 9th at 6 pm in the Gateway.
President Leslie Farmer declared that there being no further new business, the meeting was adjourned as of 7:15 pm.

Read and approved on this date, June 4, 2007

____________________ ______________________

President Date

____________________ ______________________

Secretary Date

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Quarterly Meeting

June 4, 2007

The regularly scheduled meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:00pm on Monday, June 4, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St.

A formal meeting was not held because there was not a quorum of members. Nancy Munn and myself were the only attendees.

We discussed:
A Labor Day ride of the entire Trace for members and public. Maybe a 'Friends' barbecue after the ride at Gateway. -
Development of the Denbury pond

Susan Cucullu was present to discuss the Longleaf Trace and contributions Regions Bank may make in the future.

Nancy reported two golf carts not following rules of Trace - a 6 year old driving with an older man sitting in front seat with and an older couple barreling down middle of Trace without yielding) and also a boy on a motorcycle was on the Trace around 1pm in the afternoon on Monday. Heading from the Gateway towards 7th Street.

We adjourned at 7:30.

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Special Meeting

July 9, 2007

A special meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 5:30pm on Monday, July 9, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4th St.

The following members were present: President Leslie Farmer

Resource providers present: Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager
Guests: Susan Cucullu, Regions Bank - South Mississippi Area Marketing Manager

Susan Cucullu was present to discuss the Longleaf Trace and contributions Regions Bank may make in the future.

Trail Boss Herlon Pierce presented the plans for improvements planned for the Trace and where specific sponsorships could be used.

Members arriving by 6:00pm:
Elmer Beardshall
Nancy Munn
John Harsh

After Susan Cucullu left for another meeting, the members discussed plans for an October event, which could include: a bike ride, a run, door prizes, and food. The bike ride might include a poker drawing after the ride. Another meeting will probably be called in several weeks to firm up plans.

Problems with golf carts were discussed. Over 50 permits have been issued. Members are asked to report any violations of the golf cart rules to the Trail Boss. The Trail Boss also asked all trail users to be courteous to the golf cart users, whether or not they are strictly following the golf cart regulations. Golf cart permit holders have reported rudeness and resentment from other users. (The other side of the etiquette rules is to thank those who are following them in order to encourage good behavior).

Mountain bike riding on the horse trail was discussed. Some bike riders did not know that this was permissible. It is perfectly OK, and has been made much better with the recent improvements to the horse trail.

We adjourned at 7.10pm.

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Special Meeting

July 23, 2007

A special meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:05pm on Monday, July 9, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St.

The following members were present: President Leslie Farmer
Vice President Butch Sims
Elmer Beardshall
Nancy Munn
John Harsh
Hal Mosely

Ed Crockett

Kim Rutland

Becky Ryder

Resource providers present: Bill Powe, Gateway Manager
Guests: None

The members discussed plans for the October bike ride event. Decisions were made on these items:
Date - October 20
Registration - 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Starting time - 8:30 am
Distance - Up to 82 miles, Gateway USM to Prentiss and return, or any shorter distance
Aid Stations - Sumrall and Prentiss
Food at Gateway - 12-3 pm
Entry fee - $20
T-shirts will be given to all riders who pre-register
Bill Powe volunteered to have the USM Recreation department make up a logo and flyer and bring it to the next meeting for approval
Nancy Munn volunteered to handle registration
John Harsh volunteered to work the Sumrall aid station
Butch Sims volunteered to work the Prentiss aid station
Kim Rutland volunteered to handle publicity
Nancy Munn volunteered to have Hattiesburg Bicycle Center supply water bottles to all riders

A special meeting was set for Monday August 6th at 6 pm to check progress and approve the logo and flyer.

We adjourned at 7:20pm.

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Special Meeting

August 6, 2007

A special meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:00pm on Monday, August 6th, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St.

The following members were present: President Leslie Farmer
Vice President Butch Sims
Elmer Beardshall
Ed Crockett

Kim Rutland

Becky Ryder
John R. Jackson

Resource providers present: Bill Powe, Gateway Manager; Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager
Guests: None

The members discussed plans for the October bike ride event.

Bill Powe had the USM Recreation department make up a logo and flyer and brought it to the meeting for approval. Changes were discussed:

Check boxes for various round trip distances
Hours for food (12-2pm, a change from 12-3)
Aid Stations - Sumrall and Bassfield (a change from Prentiss)
Place on the form to join FOTT
Return address added
T-shirts will guaranteed only to those who pre-register by 10/01

Bill will have the changes made and get to Leslie for final approval before printing.

Kim Rutland reported that she has contacted the Hattiesburg American and is ready to publicize the event as soon as we firm up the details and she has the fliers.

Trail Manager Herlon Pierce went over the plans for the Jerry Ryan Memorial Sports Complex.

Commemorative bricks were discussed as a future fund raising method.

We adjourned at 7:00pm.

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Quarterly Meeting

September 10, 2007

Meeting was called to order by President Leslie Farmer at 6:10

Friends Present
Leslie Farmer
Nancy Munn
Kim Rutland
Becky Ryder
Butch Sims

Support Staff
None

Old Business

Jerry Ryan Memorial Bike Ride reports were turned in. Kim Rutland has sent information to Hattiesburg American, WDAM, WHLT, The Times and the Advertiser. Changes were made on entry forms. Nancy Munn reported she was ordering 100 water bottles with the event name on it. Becky Ryder is going to check on availability of PA/sound system. Leslie is going to check with Coca-Cola and confirm with Red Cross about aid station. Another meeting is scheduled for Monday October 1st.

Meeting Adjourned 6:45pm

FRIENDS OF THE LONGLEAF TRACE

Minutes

Special Meeting

October 1, 2007

A special meeting of the “Friends of the Longleaf Trace” was called to order by the President, Leslie Farmer, at approximately 6:00pm on Monday, October 1st, 2007, in Hattiesburg, MS in the Longleaf Room of the Gateway at Southern Miss Building located at 2895 West 4^th St.

The following members were present: President Leslie Farmer
Nancy Munn

Elmer Beardshall
Ed Crockett

Kim Rutland

Resource providers present: Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager
Guests: Susan Cucullu, Regions

Old Business:
President Leslie Farmer, Nancy Munn, and Kim Rutland reported on the status of preparations for the Jerry Ryan Memorial ride. Approximately 20 entries have been received so far. Large groups (30-50) from New Orleans and Columbus have indicated they are coming but their entries have not yet been received. Planning for the food service at 1200 is set for 100 subject to change based on entries.

Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that the dedication of the playground area sponsored by Regions Bank is set for 11:45 am just before food service begins. The JRM sports complex is scheduled to be completed, but at the family's request the dedication has been postponed UFN.

Another special meeting was set for 6 pm on Monday 10/15 to go over final preparations and decide on how many participants to expect.

New Business:

Trail Manager Herlon Pierce reported that surveillance equipment has been installed in Prentiss and the restrooms will be reopened by this weekend.

After some discussions it was agreed that the first aid boxes at the stations and 5 mile markers will be removed as they can not be maintained.

Meeting Adjourned 6:55pm