York County Rail Trail Authority

Discussions focused on several operational and project management areas. Key topics included exploring the Borough of Hanover's request for proposals for a Safe Streets Action Plan, addressing user concerns regarding trail maintenance and dog conflicts, and planning the turnover of completed trail sections to the County for management. Strategic planning involved drafting a policy for future gifts and donations, including an endowment structure for bequests. The Planning Committee will recommend annual award recipients and lead the Community Involvement strategic goal. Financial reports indicated the Operating Fund required an infusion of funds, with a recent transfer from the Project Fund noted as a loan. Significant funding for the Oil Creek Restoration work, utilizing CAP funds via the York County Planning Commission (YCPC), was highlighted. The Solicitor reported on by-law changes, the status of the Hanover Trolley Trail MOU review, and potential encroachments on a trail section under construction. The Engineer's report detailed that the Kinsley project is 99% complete, with retainage held, and design advancements for the Rt. 116 Parking lot/trailhead. New business included the election of Frank Kempf as Chairman, Brandon Wingert as Vice-chairman, and Karen Kuhn as Treasurer, while the Secretary position remains vacant, prompting exploration of AI transcription services. Unanimous approval was granted for several invoices from C.S. Davidson, Inc. and payments related to Oil Creek maintenance and a Zoning Hearing Board application fee. Three change orders for the Kinsley project were also approved, resulting in a net increase.

The meeting focused on several administrative and project-related matters. Key discussions included the review and approval of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, leading to the formation of six sub-committees to address implementation goals, with ongoing efforts to present the plan to the County Commissioners. The Planning Committee reviewed invoices and recommended a specific parking configuration for the proposed Hanover Trolley Trail (HTT) trailhead parking lot, which requires a Site Development Drawing for an upcoming PA DCNR grant application targeting $1,200,000 in project costs. The Executive Director's report noted the completion of the first interpretive sign. The Treasurer's report for December was accepted. The Solicitor reported on the status of the Northern Extension easement transfer and updating the MOU for the HHT. In New Business, the Authority accepted $250,000 in CAP funding for Oil Creek, elected a new Treasurer (Karen Kuhn), updated authorized bank account signers, and approved several contractor invoices related to trail construction and design work. A change order for a reduction in work on the Gitts Run Road Connector was accepted. The goal for the 2025 Give Local York fundraising event was set at $20,000.

Key discussions during the meeting included a strategic plan check-in focusing on strengthening partnerships and achieving financial stability, with noted overlaps between strategic goals. Reports were given by the Hanover Trolley Trail Operating Committee and the Planning Committee. The Executive Director presented updates via slides from field visits concerning the G&W rail line west of Gitts Run Rd. and aquatic sampling in Oil Creek. Treasurer reports prompted a discussion regarding potential service charges on checks and strategies to maintain General Fund solvency due to limitations on using Explore York income for operating expenses. Legal matters involved recording the deed for the Heidelberg Parcel and obtaining input for an article. The Engineer's report noted progress on the Gitts Run Rd connector trail and footage completion for a promotional video. New business included accepting a PADCNR Resolution for strategic plan closeout and approving several payments to CSD and LandStudies for trail connector and restoration projects. Funding discussions covered a PA DCNR Grant Application for a Trailhead project and an upcoming RACP site visit.

Key discussions during the meeting involved public comments applauding the trail work and requesting consideration for adding restrooms. The Treasurer reported that the organization is now financially stable, and new cash flow reports have been implemented. The Engineer's Report covered updates on the Oil Creek Phase 1 monitoring, completion of the Gitts Run Road Connector, installation of private property signs, and updates on failed bearing capacity tests for the Oil Creek Bridge abutment and piers. The committee also reviewed costs for paving over a rail line crossing and tree removal along the trail. New Business featured the approval of a motion authorizing the Executive Director to execute a contract, utilizing the CoStars program, for the pre-order purchase of two 100-foot pedestrian bridge truss spans for the Hanover Trolley Trail connection, estimated at $250,000. Furthermore, the board authorized a standing motion to pay construction contract invoices provided they meet engineer recommendation and remain within contract value, and several specific payments were subsequently issued to C.S. Davidson, LandStudies, Kinsley Construction, W. Craig Adams, and ARRC. Old Business items regarding By-Laws Change and a meeting with County Commissioners were tabled.

Key discussions included establishing a monthly meeting cadence for Strategic Plan (SP) Committee chairs and reviewing progress updates. The Planning Committee reported on discussions with the York County Planning Commission regarding the Open Space and Trail Plan. The Executive Director reported on outstanding Financial Interest Statements and supported the grant application for the Rt. 116 parking lot and bridge connection. Treasurer reports covered suggestions for updating the financial reports to reflect the most recent month and necessary actions for renewing a CD. Financially, reimbursements exceeding $1M in 2025 were highlighted as vital for solvency. The Heidelberg Supervisors approved the conveyance of the Rt. 116 parcel to the Authority. The Engineer recommended awarding the "combo project" to Kinsley Construction, which was subsequently approved by motion. New business included authorizing a contract and Notice to Proceed with Kinsley Construction for the HTT Jacobs Mill Connector & Floodplain Restoration. Various invoices from LandStudies and CSD were approved for payment, and an agreement with Dickinson College for monitoring the Oil Creek Restoration, Phase 2, was approved at no cost to the Authority. The Authority is also preparing a grant application for the Trailhead Update and revising the Friends of YCRTA membership program.