Committee Meeting ~ NIRPC February 1, 2018‌

Members & Guests – Will Farrellbegg, Aaron Borngraber, Shannon Eason, Jeff Sheridan, Chuck Gleason, Chris Moore, Mark Gordish, Gary Konecny, Walter Lenckos, Robert Boklund, Jessie Renslow, Zully Alvarado, George Topoll, AJ Monroe and Mark O’Dell.

Staff – Mitch Barloga, Rachel Veronesi, Meredith Stilwell and Mary Thorne

Chairman Will Farrellbegg called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and self- introductions. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

Ped

South Shore Trails (SST) Update – No update was provided

Pedal

Feature Presentation I: Mitch Barloga overviewed the draft 2020 Greenways + Blueways Plan Update and public launch with a brief history of the plan since the first one was done in 2007. He gave an overview of each of the five chapters on Conservation, Recreation, Transportation, Integration and Implementation. The 30-day public comment period goes from today and ends on March 12. An open house will be held on February 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at NIRPC. Significant comment has already been provided from NWIPA. It will be reviewed by this committee and the EMPC on March 1, with recommendation by the Technical Planning Committee and final plan adoption in March barring any major comments being received. The plan and ways to comment on it can be found on the website at http://www.nirpc.org/2040- plan/transportation/greenways-blueways/greenways-blueways-resources/greenways-blueways-2020- plan/. Mitch Barloga and Zully Alvarado will meet to discuss universal design concerns.

Paddle

NWI Paddling Association – Zully Alvarado said 2017 was very successful. There are a number of events in 2018. We continue to support water trail initiatives in the region; however, we need to cut back due to the limited number of volunteers. Five more ADA launches are scheduled and we are working with Shirley Heinze Land Trust. We will be participating at the Cornucopia which is scheduled from March 9 to 11 with a booth. March 18 is the Rendezvous event at Hawthorne Park. Jessie Renslow gave an update on what is happening at the River Dam in Lake Station. They are interested in an opportunity for a launch and they have asked to see the benefits of such an investment. Zully Alvarado added that they are looking for a launch which would accommodate fishermen as well. NWIPA received two quotes and it is up to Lake Station to take the next step to secure funding.

Grab Bag

1. Project Updates

   • Shannon Eason said Singing Sands Phase 1 is scheduled to let in March. Phase 2 is in final design work and will let in FY 2020. Phase 3 final route work is being done with letting in FY 2021. A second kayak launch will be in Winding Creek Cove but it is not ADA accessible. Eight natural

     stone fishing pads are being installed to avoid bank erosion. The Parks Department partnered with the Michigan City High School Biology Department and the Soil and Conservation District to do a outdoor classroom. We are training high school kids to do annual maintenance on restoration work. They were just awarded one of three Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.

   • Mark Gordish said Hammond’s bridge over Wolf Lake over Calumet Avenue is coming along with completion set for August.

   • Gary Konecny reported that the St. Line trail is out for public comment and is scheduled to let on February 7.

     
     

2. General Announcements

   • Mitch Barloga said the Food Expo & Discussion 2018 (FED) will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 8:00 AM 4:00 PM at County Line Orchard in Hobart. Register online at https://www.nwifoodcouncil.org/events/calendar/2018/fed-food-expo-discussion-2018

     
     

3. Next 3PC Meeting is Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.

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