04/28/2026
Next Meeting April 28, 2026 @ 7PM at the St. Charles School, Peru
Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
March 31, 2026
Attendees: Ted Cox, Steve Gough, Gloyd Johnson, David Cota, Doug Martin, Joe Vernon, Navy Vernon, Dan McCarthy, Tim Finster, Mike Kuepper, Dave Kota, Jeff Kassebaum, Terry Berkabyle, Bill Hanson and wife Terry, Dennis Grossnickle, Jean Holder, Scott Zeyen, Duane Long, Jeff Fivecoate, Phil Hart, Chris Baker, Ron Hansen, Doug Martin
The meeting began at 7:02 PM at the St Charles School in Peru. After introductions, Steve moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe, motion carried.
Steve presented the treasurer’s report. Steve summarized the transactions for February. There were $2,311 in income all from donations. Expenses were $742.16. Included in the expenses were gas, maintenance on the tractor, and fees. YTD income is $7,938.50, expenses are $4,069.55. Steve explained the Next Level Trails budget. Jeff motioned to approve, Joe 2nd, motion carried.
Ted and Mike discussed the needs at the Cassville bridge. Ted reported that Dave Campbell will be starting work on or around April 10. Volunteers will be needed when the construction date is set. We will need the tractor to spread gravel needed and, we will need a couple loads of gravel delivered to the site. Hope to have this project completed before the end of April.
Jeff Kassebaum discussed the area that we are hoping to repave north of Miami. He discussed the financial needs and how we are going to finance this project. Donations are needed.
Dan discussed the progress on our new website. The website will have a new map of the trail, and we are working on an interactive map. Progress is moving along and the site will be ready soon.
The sign project is still being discussed. We are still waiting on a method to place the wood posts in a metal holder to help prevent the posts from decaying due to environmental concerns. This method is currently used by the state and county. Scott questioned the design and would like to see if it will be usable for our current signs which continually need repair.
Navi discussed a meeting with the community foundation to find out information about how we can better utilize potential funding. It turns out that we need a 5-year plan with projects and costs that must be in place to put us in a better position to receive funding.
April 25 is Celebrate Trails Day. Mike is setting up a program that will include a ribbon cutting on the MAC trail.
Ted discussed the potential restroom in Rochester.
Navi discussed the Panhandle Trail meeting that Joe, Navi and Ted attended. Navi suggested that we have an information packet to hand out at our meetings. Navi had a sample made up and displayed it.
Big thanks to Jeff, Dan, and Scott for replacing the sign near Beef O’Brady’s which displays the Bank of Berne. Also, Joe has been working with donors for a couple of new signs to be placed on the trail.
Navi discussed the project tracking sheet and suggested we all look at it in order to keep the status of projects updated.
Joe discussed the possibility of teaming up with the Denver Youth League to perhaps help with restrooms in the Denver area. It’s another possible project that would be beneficial to both entities.
Mike reported that work on the MAC trail has slowed down. There is a lot of administrative work to get started on the next phase (Bunker Hill). We are ready for 2 of the phases to be let for bid. We are waiting on the DNR to continue the process. We are waiting for funds to get the next 2 projects going on in Bunker Hill. The plan is to continue the trail to the Air Museum at the base when this project is completed. Mike discussed the possibility of the trail continuing west of the Air Museum.
Ted asked about the progress of the “Mofield Mile” memorial. Bill Click is heading up this project and will give an update on the progress when available.
Joe summarized our maintenance meeting with a Monon Trail group from southern Indiana, highlighting our methods of maintenance and the significance of project coordination communication.
Joe also reminded the group that we have committed to having the handicapped signs in place prior to the new website being launched.
Dan made a motion to adjourn, Steve 2nd, motion carried. Meeting ended at 8:17 PM,
Respectfully,
Ted Cox
Next meeting: April 28, 2026 @ 7:00 PM St. Charles School, Peru
I told my bike a joke . . . it didn’t laugh – it just wheely ignored me.
