Whitewater Canal Committee Meeting
May 6, 2004 -Franklin County National Bank Conference Center- 7pm.
Mick Wilz called the meeting to order at 7:10. Main focus is that the Canal project be a total community project and be supported by the total community. Mick then presented an overview of the project to this point. Mick spoke at length on the history of the ownership of the canal. Plan is to do the project in stages, as the project is not funded at this time.
7:16 Terry Duffy was introduced and had the participants introduce themselves. Terry then clarified that the canal is under the direction of the State of Indiana Historic Sites and Landmarks Department. They have asked that we form an official organization. This is the purpose of tonight’s meeting. A paper was passed around for people in attendance to place there name on a list.
7:30 Mr. Duffy introduced Terry Stevenson from the Historic Hoosier Hills group. Their specialty is to help organizations get structured and develop a vision and mission statement. This is what he would like to do tonight. He complimented the group on its size, various groups represented, all of which bodes well for a successful group. They also have a grant researcher on staff to help with funding. We are a 501 3c group under the HHH group. This makes grants more available to our group. This will be a two year project for us to have us get our own 501 3c classification. Terry then proceeded to develop a vision statement. He asked for the audience to volunteer what their personal vision of the canal would be. Some of the ideas listed were:
Historical preservation
Historical signage
People enjoying themselves
Historical research
Self sustaining community activity
Healthful recreation
Awareness of local beauty
Living museum----
Avoid urban sprawl
Public access
Tie all the communities along the trail
Save a green space
Peaceful flowing waters
Community and economic benefits
Enhancing our original/existing investments
Multiuse-run, walk, hike, bike….
Place to have events
Outdoor lab-native plants, biology, botany
Tourism and its economic side effects
Laurel to Brookville
Accessible and inclusive to all, including those with disabilities
Business opportunities
History of transportation-foot, canoe, horse, canal, train, locks etc
Aspiring to serve as an example to others in the Whitewater Valley who are considering trails-identifying potential partners
Don Vondermeulen and Marty Mullins came up with the following vision statement:
A scenic self- sustaining county project melding recreational, historical and natural resource preservation with a healthy and educational enjoyment of our connected communities.
8:15 Lenore Hynes suggested that the statement be given to a committee in the interest of saving time.
Terry introduced the idea of a mission statement-how the vision will be implemented. Floor was open for discussion:
Volunteering for restoration and preservation
Management
Community involvement
Leadership and management
History
Educational opportunities
Enjoy
History
Funding
Historical accuracy
Promote wellness
Preserve and conserve Natural Resources
Coop effort among governmental agencies
Float the boat
Enhance quality of life
Statement submitted by Fred Chappelow:
To develop and preserve the Whitewater Trail for the use and pleasure of the citizenry by the efforts of all interested people, coordination funds available from individuals, state and federal government, and any other sources.
Statement will be sent to committee.
The statements are not set in stone they can be changed by the group at a later date if so desired.
8:30 Volunteers were now considered. The core group that has been working on the project was discussed. Dishman stated that some one from the DNR had to be on the board, even just as an ex officio member. Nine Member Executive Board
President-Mick Wilz
Vice President-Terry Duffy
Treasurer-Fred Chappelow
Secretary- Charlie Hynes
Directrors-5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Committees-5
1. By-law
2. Work plan
3. Membership/Volunteer coordination
4. Budget/fundraising
5. Education/Public outreach/Event planning
8:35 Mick in closing the meeting stated that some 20 people were not able to attend the meeting. Asked the participants to be aware of trails as they traveled about this summer and bring back pictures to the group. Mick wants it no longer be just his trail but everyone’s trail. Use the trail. We are allowed on the trail but contact someone first.
Aspiring to serve as an example to others in the Whitewater Valley who are considering trails-identifying potential partners
Don Vondermeulen and Marty Mullins came up with the following vision statement:
A scenic self- sustaining county project melding recreational, historical and natural resource preservation with a healthy and educational enjoyment of our connected communities.
8:15 Lenore Hynes suggested that the statement be given to a committee in the interest of saving time.
Terry introduced the idea of a mission statement-how the vision will be implemented. Floor was open for discussion:
Volunteering for restoration and preservation
Management
Community involvement
Leadership and management
History
Educational opportunities
Enjoy
History
Funding
Historical accuracy
Promote wellness
Preserve and conserve Natural Resources
Coop effort among governmental agencies
Float the boat
Enhance quality of life
Statement submitted by Fred Chappelow:
To develop and preserve the Whitewater Trail for the use and pleasure of the citizenry by the efforts of all interested people, coordination funds available from individuals, state and federal government, and any other sources.
Statement will be sent to committee.
The statements are not set in stone they can be changed by the group at a later date if so desired.
8:30 Volunteers were now considered. The core group that has been working on the project was discussed. Dishman stated that some one from the DNR had to be on the board, even just as an ex officio member. Nine Member Executive Board
President-Mick Wilz
Vice President-Terry Duffy
Treasurer-Fred Chappelow
Secretary- Charlie Hynes
Directrors-5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Committees-5
1. By-law
2. Work plan
3. Membership/Volunteer coordination
4. Budget/fundraising
5. Education/Public outreach/Event planning
8:35 Mick in closing the meeting stated that some 20 people were not able to attend the meeting. Asked the participants to be aware of trails as they traveled about this summer and bring back pictures to the group. Mick wants it no longer be just his trail but everyone’s trail. Use the trail. We are allowed on the trail but contact someone first.