HERITAGE TRAIL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

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Video Conference
A link to the live webcasting of this meeting will appear here once the meeting is live.
Members Present:
  • Rick Meloen - Chair, 
  • Tony Chisholm - Vice Chair, 
  • Fred Sentineal, 
  • Dick Coyne, 
  • Wendy Cheropita - Councillor, 
  • and Cheryl Morris 
Staff Present:
  • Kevin Turcotte - Manager Parks & Recreation 
  • and Cheryl Lootsma - Administrative Assistant - Operations 
Others Present:

  • Sandra Ozkur - Niagara Bee Group

     

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order by Rick Meloen, Chair at 1:01 p.m.

2.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA

 

Councillor Cheropita added an overview of the Tourism Strategy to New Business. Chair Rick Meloen added discussion on the damaged bench.  Moved by Rick Meloen that the agenda be adopted as amended.

APPROVED.

3.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

None were declared.

4.
PREVIOUS MINUTES

This item has attachments. 
1.Post-Meeting Minutes - HTC_Feb21_2024 - English.pdf

Moved by Chair Rick Meloen that the February 21, 2024, minutes be received.

5.
PRESENTATIONS

 

5.1
Niagara Bee Group - Pollinator Gardens - Next Phase

 

Sandra Ozkur of the Niagara Bee Group, discussed their ideas for phase two of the pollinator gardens on the Heritage Trail.

  • Use of left over funds from 2023 to replace damaged or add plants for 2024.
  • Placing bluebird breeding chambers along path to complete the eco system.
  • Due to the invasive species at Paffard entrance, suggest planting a maple tree or small shrubs.
  • Intend to begin planting at the new entrance at East West Line, prefer planting trees to gardens.

6.
ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Chair Rick Meloen noted that there will be a learning session at the Library at the end of April speaking about railroad history.

7.
CORRESPONDENCE

 

There were none.

8.
BUSINESS

 

8.1
New Members - Update

 

18.2    Councillor Cheropita - Heritage Trail Member Appointment

Albrecht Sieger, a grape grower, has offered to join the committee and be a voice for the agricultural community

Mr. Sieger owns vineyards along the Heritage Trail up from the Niagara Parkway to Concession 1 to Line 3.

Mr. Sieger will be invited to future meetings.

APPROVED

8.2
Land Care Update - Bat Houses

 

Staff continues to review the bat houses proposal.

8.3
Signage and Trail Updates

 

Chair Rick Meloen noted that wording on the next sign is almost complete.

Staff noted that construction is anticipated to begin mid-May on the new phase.

8.4
Stone Material Offer

 

Chair Rick Meloen mentioned an offer from Frank Racioppo at the Queenston Quarry for stone material to be laid along the Heritage Trail.

Staff noted that any material needs to be inspected, to determine if it's suitable for the trail, which will be at a cost.

Vice Chair Tony Chisholm asked if it will save money in the long term.

Staff will update at next meeting.

9.
NEW BUSINESS

 

9.1
Tourism Strategy

 

Councillor Cheropita provided an update to the Committee on the Tourism Strategy, presented by CBRE at Council of the Whole on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

9.2
Damage to Trail Bench

 

Chair Rick Meloen asked about the stone bench that was struck by a car.

Town Staff will ensure that the bench is repaired or replaced.

10.
NEXT MEETING DATE

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

11.
ADJOURNMENT

 

Meeting was unanimously adjourned at 1:47 p.m.

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