Minutes
Niagara River Greenway
State Park Standing Committee Meeting
September 4, 2009
Attendees
Mark Thomas, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Robert Daly, NY Power Authority
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Introduction and Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Mark Thomas called the meeting to order at 10:02am. Rob Daly moved to have the minutes from the July 14, 2009 meeting approved; Mark Thomas seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Niagara River Gorge Hiking Trail System - $140,000
David Szuba, Capital Facilities Manager for NYS Parks, Western District, presented a brief review of the Niagara River Gorge Hiking Trail System Project requesting funding approval. This project was submitted in May to the Niagara River Greenway Commission and found to be consistent at the July 21, 2009 meeting. It is a “Force Account” Gorge Trail Crew Project that encompasses trails from Niagara Falls State Park to Artpark State Park. Components of the Project are as follows:
The work will be done by an in-house gorge trail crew, allowing for substantial savings from hiring/contracting out. We have developed the gorge crew in past years. We will provide additional training for the crew. The Interpretive staff will supervise the work since they are familiar with the area and sensitive to the needs. It will be a multi-year project with the first year funding being the highest at $140,000. The following years should only need $80,000-$115,000.
Rob Daly asked about the training aspect. Dave Szuba explained we would hire someone for 2 day workshops for the crews not familiar with specific types of work needed. Mark Thomas confirmed with Dave that the initial funds would be paying for wages, benefits, materials and training and the trail guide/manual for employees. Dave broke down the cost as $45,000-$60,000 labor and $30,000 materials for following years.
Mark Thomas requested an annual report to the Standing Committee to track expenditures and project progress. Dave Szuba added the crew keeps a daily journal and takes photos as well.
Rob Daly asked if the training component was something that was added or was it already included because he did not see it in the project submission. Dave replied it was included.
Mark Thomas asked if they’re planning on bringing people from other State Park regions that are already doing this sort of work. Dave responded yes.
Rob Daly asked if the future years’ funding will be a continuation of this project or considered new projects. Dave responded they would be continuations; Phase I is this year. Rob Belue, Executive Director of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, suggested Dave do a presentation occasionally to update the Niagara River Greenway Commission.
Rob Daly motioned to approve funding for $140,000, seconded by Mark Thomas. The vote was unanimous.
Rob Daly – approve Mark Thomas - approve
Request to Transfer Funds from Year 2 Projects to cover Year 1 Overages - $85,000
Mark Thomas presented the request from Dave Szuba to transfer money from Year 2 funds to cover some overages in Year 1 & 2 projects, specifically the Year 1 Goat Island Landscape Restoration $19,130 and Year 2 Artpark Access Stairs over budget estimates by $65,870 for a total of $85,000.
Rob Daly motioned to accept/approve the transfers of $85,000, Mark Thomas seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Rob Daly – approve Mark Thomas - approve
Public Comment
Next Meeting
The next meeting is to be determined at a later date.
Adjournment
Rob Daly motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mark Thomas. The meeting adjourned
at 10:17am.