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Minutes August 17, 2004
John Bragg opened the meeting with a review of the planned agenda. The Minutes were approved as read with one correction, the uses allowed on Eden Valley trails are hiking and horseback riding. (Mike Smith motioned to approve and Amelia Dexter seconded the approval). New attendees Jennifer Wade, District Recreation Planner, and Bill Blackwell, Deputy District Ranger, of the Siuslaw National Forest said they were here as they had trails in the area. They would like to participate in the trails partnership to learn what is happening when it comes to trails in the area. Reports and Project updates: Review of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and By-laws: CRTP participants reviewed the MOU and By-Laws drafted by John Bragg. Mike Smith had several suggestions in regards to both documents and the rest of the group commented and discussed each item. For the MOU, the following changes/modifications/additions were discussed: 1. Objectives of the CRTP. Several changes were made to CRTP objectives. a. Changed first objective to Promote the responsible use of trails on regional lands, public and private. (previously it said on public lands). b. Moved the third objective down to the area entitled: It is mutually understood and agreed to by the parties that they will. c. Added a new objective to promote linkage and networking of trail opportunities. 2. In the paragraph below objectives, the second sentence was modified by adding …meet public demands for recreational use of regional lands, improve public health, and achieve regional economic renewal. (one example of how to add promotion of the economy and public health into this sentence). My note: I would also change the sentence from Coos Bay region to Coos Region as it is noted in other documents such as the Coos Regional Trails Plan. 3. In the section entitled "It is mutually understood and agreed to by the parties that they will" changes include: a. The addition of the third objective from the objectives of CRTP noted above. b. The addition of a sentence to “promote multiple use, inclusive trail opportunities when appropriate (or some language to that effect since it was discussed by the group that there will be occasions when trails are not appropriate for multiple use). c. Modify the third bullet to read, “Promote responsible and environmentally sound planning, design, use, and maintenance of trails” (maintenance was added to this sentence). 4. My note: section on Modification and Termination, as per our discussion on not having people coming to the meeting being able to block something from passing, the first paragraph, third sentence should read “It may be modified or amended by consensus of the board of directors, provided that a quorum of the board of directors is present.” For the By-Laws, the following changes/modifications/additions were discussed: 1. Article 2: Mission. Anywhere where public lands are mentioned will be changed to regional lands as in the MOU. The group agreed to review the mission and bring comments to the next meeting. My note: I think the last sentence should read, “…and increase the awareness and use of trails as an asset to the public health and economy of the Coos region.” 2. Article 4: Elections. Section 1. It was discussed during the meeting the board can be voted on by anyone attending the election meeting. 3. Article 5: Decision-making. There was discussion on whether we should operate by consensus or not. Points were raised that if we operate by consensus and allow anyone showing up to vote, then one person with an agenda can come to the meeting and block something from going through, even if they don’t have any history with the organization and don’t have an understanding through regularly attending meetings of all the sides of the issue at hand. Thus, it was agreed that we will operate by consensus and issues will be voted on by the Board of Directors alone. Thus section 2. will be changed to reflect this. “Each board of director shall have one vote on all matters presented for consideration at any general or special meeting of the CRTP. 4. Article 6: Board of Directors. 1.b. will be changed to off highway vehicles (OHV). 1. d. will be changed from hikers to foot trails. 1. f. will be changed from Nature-based tourism to Tourism. There was discussion as to whether we need a representative from a conservation organization. This will be brought up again at our next meeting. Additional members of the board of directors will include a private landowner and a tribal representative. Another member discussed was a representative from the Oregon Natural Resources Council. 5. Article 12: Conflicts of Interest. It was discussed by the group that it’s important to have an open process when looking for contractors to give people an opportunity to offer their services in the region. In section 3. It was agreed that we should not make it the same as state and federal bidding requirements, which is written into the second sentence that “selection of a vender MAY be based on criteria including, but not limited to, each proposer’s...”. 6. Reg Pullen noted that we need language in our MOU and bylaws about our relationship with OCEAN. An addition to the bylaws/MOU needs to state that a member of CRTP is on the OCEAN board. Reg and Miranda said that the agreement document between OCEAN and CRTP should have some language that could be added to these documents. John Bragg will be incorporating the review and discussion into the MOU and Bylaws and bring revised copies to the next meeting. CRTP and fitness John Bragg updated the group that he is still waiting to hear from Suzie McDaniels from the Bay Area Hospital. Miranda recommended talking to Walt Schroeder to get his input. Bill Blackwell of the Siuslaw National Forest recommended that CRTP talk with Fran Grosman with the Curry County hospital to get her perspective as well as Walt Schroeder, a outdoor trail enthusiast, who created a hiking club called “Sole Pursuits”, which is a partnership with hikers and the Curry County Hospital Club. Sole Pursuits has had a lot of success building trails and getting people to use them, using information to educate and created a user group to also help maintain trails. Curry County gets local businesses to donate money for prizes for people who volunteer which also increases participation. Eden Valley Trail System Lupe Cisneros said the only thing left to finish the NEPA process is to do the write-up which is happening slowly. Reg said the BLM is still discussing some potential assistance with the NEPA process internally. Big Loop Trail System Mike Smith updated the group that he is currently creating a powerpoint presentation for the Big Loop project. Mike talked with the Corvallis to Sea people about their project and they were pretty closed mouthed about the details but Dan Miller said he could provide Mike Smith with whatever he needs. Mike will update the group when he has more information. Next meeting The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30 PM at the Coos Bay District BLM. Respectfully Submitted By Miranda Shapiro |