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July 2, 2002

A meeting of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council was held Wednesday morning July 2, 2002 at 8:00 AM at the Village of Grafton Police Department meeting room with the following in attendance: Katie Smith, Kit Keller, Andrew Struck, Ronald Heinritz, John and Helen Ward, Tom Reichart, Terrence Mooney, Chris Kegel, Mark Gottlieb, Mary Monday, Randy Tetzlaff, Nancy Hundt, Linda Oakes, Paul Roback, Joe Messinger, Jason Dzwinel, John Kuhnmuench, Darrell Holland, Bill Knight and Al Krier.

To begin a motion to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2002 meeting was made by Joe Messinger seconded by Linda Oakes. The motion carried.

Bill Knight began the meeting by discussing the progress of construction of the trail. He noted that the blacktop had been laid from the north county line to Port Washington and that crews were working presently between Port Washington and Grafton. Andrew Struck noted he and several others had made a physical inspection of the trail this last week and had used the GPS system to mark signage that currently exists on the trail and to co-ordinate other areas on the trail with GPS reference points. He said the trail is able to be used and is 29.6 miles in length.

Next began a lengthy discussion in which concern was expressed over several safety issues along the route recommended by Village of Grafton officials for the trail in their community. The crossings of Wisconsin Avenue, railroad tracks, Highway 60 and Highway O as unguarded intersections posed some of the issues of concern. An alternate route of 1^st Avenue to North Street was discussed as well as the originally designated route of 7^th Avenue north to Beech Street to 11^th Avenue to meet the current paved portion. Mark Gottlieb admitted that if the goal of bikers was to take the fastest easiest way through Grafton, the 1^st Avenue to North Street would be best; however, if bikers were interested in learning more about the community by having the opportunity to see the river and Veterans Park and visit the library, the route selected by Grafton officials would serve best. The original 7^th Avenue to Beech to 11^th Street was discounted because of the industrial nature of the route and extensive vehicle parking. Some committee members felt safety concern should be paramount to all other issues. Kit Keller questioned if two different marked routes would be a solution--one route 1^st Avenue to North Street indicated as more of a "through" route and the other perhaps as a "Grafton Downtown River Route" listing the services and sites available along that particular route. The committee favored this suggestion and it was hoped the Village of Grafton’s Board of Public Works, which meets next Monday, would also grant approval for the two routes.

Regarding trail signs, Andrew Struck presented a colored version of the trail sign which the county highway department has acknowledged they can produce with their existing equipment.

Andrew Struck also presented a 6/19/02 version of the proposed trail rules. He said this version has been provided to LOGIN members for review by their local police departments. Andrew said the rules would be presented to the Ozaukee County Park Commission at their July 18 meeting and if approved there, would be presented to the Ozaukee County Board for approval August 7. While these rules would apply to the unincorporated communities through which the trail runs, it was hoped the incorporated municipalities along the trail would also adopt similar rules for their own communities. Andrew said the rules committee also discussed more precisely what rules were significant enough to appear as general signage with graphics and text as opposed to a more complete listing of rules on the kiosks. The next scheduled meeting for the group is Tuesday July 23 at 10:00 AM.

Andrew Struck reported the trailside facilities group was attempting to provide signage in conjunction with the trail intersection bollards. Andrew presented pictures of similar signs the group was seeking information on, as these signs presented a low profile concept of way finding signage that could identify recreational, historic and other sites of interest along the trail. Andrew also mentioned a style of bench had been given preliminary approval and it was hoped they could be constructed through scout projects.

Bill Knight reported the opening ceremonies committee had met on the site to figure out the layout and that Kit Keller had agreed to set up the official program. It was noted that most communities along the trail were having local community opening ceremonies at 10:00 AM in advance of the county planned program.

The public relations committee noted several press releases were in process and that special magazine articles relating to the trail were in process.

The committee also expressed concerns that the newly paved trail in the northern county area and is already being used by the curious public. It was felt that some preliminary signage needs to be put in place as soon as possible, especially in areas where the trail route is particularly confusing to the public. Bill Knight said he would talk to the highway department about the placement of temporary signs.

Bill Knight confirmed that a button-making machine would be purchased to produce trail logo buttons that can be sold at the opening ceremonies.

With no other business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Al Krier

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May 6, 2002

A meeting of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council was held Wednesday morning May 6, 2002 at 8:00 AM at the Village of Grafton Police Department meeting room with the following in attendance: Andrew Struck, John and Helen Ward, Katie Smith, Nancy Hundt, Mary Monday, Ronald Heinritz, Bruce Goodwin, Joe Messinger, Bill Pence, Joette Heckenbach, Dean Roseland, Paul Roback, Bob Dreblow, Bill Knight, Tom Meaux and Al Krier.

Bill Knight opened the meeting to discuss the construction aspect of the trail and was joined by Bob Dreblow of the Ozaukee County Highway Department. Bob said preparation work on the existing trail has been slowed by the wet weather conditions and that prep work would continue as permitted until the asphalt plant is ready for operation in mid-May. Bob anticipated weather permitting that construction would begin at the north end of the county. Bob also noted there were some issues with the Mequon portion of the project in that the bid advertising for the bridges would not be completed until next week and that construction on the bridges would be able to commence after June 15. There were also some unresolved issues with the railroad crossing access in Mequon that were being worked on.

Andrew Struck discussed progress in obtaining a WIDOT grant for trailside facilities including signage, kiosks, bike racks, and other items. Andrew explained that in this type of grant a 20% matching component is needed and that it appears WEPCO has some interest in providing those matching funds. Andrew said the grant proposal also had a $100,000 minimum and competition for funds was extremely competitive. He felt we should hear a decision on the application by the end of summer.

Regarding mapping for the trail, Mary Monday reported that NOVO Print has held discussions with the county with the thought of preparing a new Ozaukee County map which would feature the trial. The committee had decided against paid advertising for the trail map at this time because a new county map will be forthcoming. The committee was also looking into pricing for individual trail maps.

Andrew Struck presented the logo committee’s selection of a trail logo and discussed the need for both a black and white and colored version of the logo. He shared some of the various color schemes that had been reviewed by the committee. He said it may be possible the logo can be designed for use as a mile marker for the trial.

Andrew Struck reported the Rules Committee would be meeting tomorrow morning with a preliminary draft to be reviewed by the Ozaukee County Corporation Counsel. He reported the Trailside Facilities Committee was also meeting tomorrow morning and would be discussing signage and some grant issues.

The Opening Ceremonies Committee report was given by Mary Monday noting again that Saturday September 28 has been designated as the official trail opening date with ceremonies planned at the Ozaukee County Justice Center. She noted the Parks Department and Tourism Council has combined efforts to raise $4,000 to be used for advertising the trail in the fall season of 2002 and spring 2003. She said various groups were being organized for providing the food and beverages being served.

In conclusion, Andrew Struck noted representatives from the Ozaukee Striders, a running club, had requested invitations to future Advisory Council meetings.

With no other business to come before the group, the meeting adjourned.

Al Krier

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April 10, 2002

A meeting of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council was held Wednesday morning April 10, 2002 at 8:00 AM at the Village of Grafton Police Department meeting room with the following in attendance: Andrew Struck, T. Mooney, John and Helen Ward, Kit Keller, Katie Smith, Henry Klapproth, Nancy Hundt, Mary Monday, Ronald Heinritz, Bruce Goodwin, Joe Messinger, Bill Pence, Bill Knight, and Joette Heckenbach.

Ozaukee County Park Commissioner Bill Knight opened the meeting by discussing the construction aspect of the trail. Bill reported the construction of the Milwaukee River Bridge in Grafton was nearing completion. Bill also reported that the county’ hot mix plant will be opening in May and depending on weather conditions, paving will once again commence on the trail starting in the northern area.

Mary Monday next discussed her committee’s efforts on having a map of the new trail designed and printed through NOVO Print, a local company who has experience in map design. Mary said there would not be any cost to producing the map in that sponsors would be sought to advertise on the map, with that advertising revenue paying for the creation of the map itself.

Andrew Struck next updated those present with the activities of the Rules and Ordinance committee by passing out a very rough draft of proposed rules. Andrew pointed out these rules were intended for the unincorporated communities and it was hoped that once an ordinance was adopted by the county that the individual communities would enact similar ordinances with modifications for their individual communities. Some discussion followed regarding the need for an "exclusive use" permit for the trail with points made for and against the suggestion.

Andrew Struck also related to the Trailside Committee’s activities and noted that a memorandum of understanding with WDNR Bureau of Endangered Resources had been approved by the county and forwarded to DNR. The memorandum of understanding designates the Ozaukee Interurban Trail as a Great Wisconsin Birding Trail and allows for marketing as such at the state level. Andrew said the Audubon Society and Riveredge Nature Center Bird Club had expressed interest in creating a bluebird box trail along the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.

The subject of logos prompted a lengthy discussion with some favoring the historical aspect being reflected to differing degrees in the logo while still making the logo easy to understand for strangers. One of the overriding concepts was to keep the logo simple yet having it relate to the many uses of the trail. A subcommittee was formed to discuss the logo issue outside this meeting and it as to meet on Monday morning April 22. Andrew said WEPCO had expressed interest in possibly funding a matching portion of the transportation grant that will be used for signage, benches, kiosks and bike racks. The transportation grant requires 20% matching funds and this is where WEPCO could choose to be involved. Funding for the grant would not be available until July 2003 but it is generally known within 6 months if the grant has possibilities of succeeding.

Bill Knight reported on the Opening Ceremonies Committee and said the Justice Center had been picked as the central site for activities on September 28, 2002. Tom Meaux had agreed to be master of ceremonies but many other details were still being worked out. Bill said the Ozaukee Tourism Council was willing to expend $2,000 toward promoting the opening if the county matched those funds and Bill thought the funding might be available through Park’s Department funds.

In conclusion, Andrew Struck asked that any and all letters of support for the grant application be delivered to Bill Knight’s office by Friday April 12.

With no other business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned.

Al Krier

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MARCH 4, 2002

A meeting of the Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council was held Monday morning, March 4, 2002 at 8:00 am at the Village of Grafton Police Department meeting room with the following in attendance:

Andrew Struck, Randy Tetzlaff, Joette Heckenbach, Abbie Povietich, John and Helen Ward, Henry Klapproth, Melissa Cook, Mary Monday, Nancy Hundt, Linda Oakes, Paul Robach, Lila Mueller, Bruce Goodwin, Bill Pence, Brian Glocke, Angie Tornes, Bill Knight, Kit Keller and Al Krier.

Ozaukee County park Commissioner Bill Knight called the meeting to order and asked all present to individually introduce themselves to the group.

Bill Knight called on Andrew Struck to introduce the first speaker of the morning. Andrew introduced Melissa Cook the Regional Trail Manager for the WDNR Southeast District. Melissa touched on many subjects of interest highlighting on recreational liability and signage issues. Melissa said she felt the trail would be covered under Wisconsin's recreational liability law that covers liability issues for most other Wisconsin trails with the exception of obvious intentional errors such as stringing wire across the trail access. Melissa said she did not have a copy of the law with her but that she would forward a copy to Andrew for reference and study.

Melissa showed some slides of various types of trail signage some of which were from other countries including examples of informational, interpretive and educational signs and noted that keeping sign language simple often makes them more effective. She suggested using more generic topics such as "food" rather than naming specific names of restaurants. Listing mileage distances to off trail cultural sites was important as that distance will have more meaning for hikers versus bikers using the trail. Installation of mile marker posts may be helpful for cell phone users wanting to report emergency issues. Cross road identification was deemed important. Melissa also touched on the issue of forming a "friends group" for the trail an named advantages for fund raising (501C.3 eligible) and for physical volunteer help for many trail issues. She talked about using a common theme for a logo throughout the entire trail length and showed a useful document from the Chippewa River Trail System that included examples of mapping, and signage.

In summary, the group felt Melissa had introduced some new concepts and had lent credence to concepts already being advanced by the advisory council.

Andrew Struck next introduced Angie Tornes, a community planner for the National Park Service. Angie passed around information she had gathered from various national trail organizations that showed how their trails were marketed and promoted. She also spoke favorably on the issue of promoting a "friends group" for the trail.

Noel Cutright, Senior WEPCO Ecologist and Riveredge Nature Center Bird Club organizer was next introduced by Andrew Struck. Noel spoke about and provided information regarding the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) and their interest in having the Ozaukee Interurban Trail designated as a birding trail. He said the hobby of bird watching was compatible with our intended uses for the trail and offered their group's assistance in promoting the new trail and assisting with the planned September 28 opening festivities. He suggested that if we were interested, members of the Riveredge group would this spring and summer become more familiar with the trail and designate some potential "hot spots" for bird watching opportunities, and relate their findings to the trail advisory committee. He said their group could then prepare literature and signage noting these areas of interest. Noel said he had already met with the Trailside Facilities Committee and they were enthusiastic about supporting an endorsement from WBCI and Riveredge Nature Center. After some additional discussion, a motion was made by Tom Meaux, seconded by Andrew Struck to recommend an affiliation as suggested by Noel Cutright. The motion carried by voice vote. It was noted that having an affiliation with these groups would also promote more tourism in Ozaukee County.

It was clarified that the name "Ozaukee Interurban Trail" was the official name designated by the LOGIN Committee and that everybody should be using this official name in documents and communications.

A reminder was made to those present of the public hearing to be held this Thursday evening at the Ozaukee County Courthouse and to have all possible attend the meeting to lend support to the trail.

Bill Knight next asked for reports from any of the Advisory Council subcommittees that had met recently.

Bill Knight reported from the Opening Activities Committee that the Ozaukee County Justice Center was chosen as the center of activities for the September 28, 2002 opening date for the trail.

A issue was raised regarding the urgency for developing an official logo for the trail and Andrew Struck said that issue was going to be discussed again today at the Trailside Facilities Committee meeting with the hopes of bringing more specific examples to the next meeting of the full committee.

Andrew Struck reported for the Rules and Ordinance Development Committee stating a draft ordinance has been prepared and is undergoing constant revision. He said the ultimate goal was to have the identical ordinance adopted by the county and all the communities through which the trail passed.

Andrew Struck also spoke for the Trailside Facilities Committee and reported they were researching several sources of funding to provide signage for the trail including a transportation grant and the Wisconsin Electric Foundation. Some floor discussion followed regarding the possibility of using some local scout groups as a source for constructing benches and some signage.

Mary Monday said her Public Relations Committee had met, but were lacking specific details at this point for some designated advertising but that their committee would continue to be active as needed.

It was reported the Website Committee and Intergovernmental Cooperation Subcommittee had not met formally but had conducted some informal discussions.

It was determined the next meeting should be held at 8:00 AM, Wednesday April 10, 2002 at this same Village of Grafton Police Department site.

With that information, the meeting concluded.

Al Krier

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Present: Kit Keller, Randy Tetzlaff, Bruce Godwin, Bob Rassel, Francis Kleckner, Joe Messinger, Andrew Struck, Mary Monday, Linda Oakes, David Dordel, Bill Pence, Lila Mueller, Abbie Povletich, Joette Heckenbach, Wendy Doyle, Eric Kuhagen, Terence Mooney, John Ward, Helen Ward, Christine Nuernberg, Al Krier, Bill Knight, Bob Dreblow, Bridget Bannon

Community Reports- Joe Messinger requested an outline of specific talking points that the community reps can take back to their respective municipalities that outline concerns and questions that need to be addressed. This will be developed as the subcommittees start addressing their specific issues.