08/14/2026
Nickel Plate Trail — Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2026
Next Meeting: August 25, 2026, 7:00 PM at St. Charles School, Peru
Attendees: Steve Gough, Gloyd Johnson, Joe Vernon, Navi Vernon, Dan McCarthy, Tim Finster, Mike Kuepper, Jeff Kassebaum, Dennis Grossnickle, John Mercer, Doug Martin, Bill Shewman, Bill Hanson, Dave Campbell, Jennifer Koon
The meeting began at 7:00 PM. After introductions, Mike asked for approval of the prior minutes. Navi noted a correction: Mike was not at the last meeting, and Joe had led it instead. Steve moved to accept the minutes as corrected; Jeff seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report — Steve Gough
June: $12,035.13 added via Zeffy; $26,075.13 total income from memberships, donations, and sales
Pave It Forward fundraising total: $35,635.13
June actual income: $26,967.68
July income: $10,409.96, largely from the Cole Porter Run ($8,844.00 from the Rotary Club)
July expenditures: $2,393.42 for mowing (MAC, Wallick Road, Redmon lot), materials, signage/signposts, and $138/year for email service
Year-to-date figures were also presented
Gaunt has not yet invoiced for the Pave It Forward program
MAC trail fencing expenditure: $843.24 (separate account)
Steve discussed additional accounts: an endowment fund and an investment account
Motion to approve the treasurer's report: Jeff moved, Dave Campbell seconded. Motion carried.
Project Planning — Navi
Navi reviewed the project planning spreadsheet, including the volunteer picnic (no motor vehicles) and other completed items. Joe Vernon noted Mike now has the no-motor-vehicle signs and they're ready to install.
Denver Days Bike Ride — Jennifer Koon
Ride is registered on BRIN; flyers are being distributed
Three volunteers will staff the registration table
Sag stop location: Wally's Bench (Dennis Grossnickle)
Sweep rider: Dave Campbell
Helmets and lights required
John Mercer (Bunker Hill) suggested expanding future rides to include Bunker Hill, Denver, and Rochester, now that a smaller ride has proven out the concept.
Pave It Forward Update — Jeff Kassebaum
Jeff summarized the program's success: roughly half a mile of trail was paved across three sections — north of Miami, south of Bunker Hill, and near the dragstrip.
Plein Air Paint-Out — Bill Shewman
Event is scheduled for August 23. Painters set up along the trail; registration and fundraising details are on the NPT website.
Signage — Joe Vernon
New wayfinding signs guide riders through Peru between the south and north trail sections, now installed at Lover's Lane, Walnut, and the Wolf Shelter
City-endorsed directional/arrow signs have also been installed
Parkview sponsorship signs are now up in Bennett Switch and Peru
Poison Hemlock — Jeff Kassebaum
Poison hemlock is spreading, especially near Birmingham and Macy. Jeff recommended testing a broadleaf herbicide on a limited section in spring to see whether it curbs early growth.
Hazard Tree — Tim Finster
A dangerous overhanging tree needs removal. Oglesby Tree Cutting quoted $100. The board has approved the expense; Tim will confirm with Oglesby to proceed soon.
Bridge Repair — Dave Campbell
Plans are underway to rebuild the bridge north of Bunker Hill, possibly in August.
Volunteer Picnic — Joe Vernon
Scheduled for August 16 at Union Township Park in Kewanna — a chance for two trail organizations to connect and share ideas.
Communications — Dan McCarthy
Over the past 30 days: about 6,000 website views and 2,100 visitors; page has 6,000 followers. Volunteers are encouraged to send trail photos to Dan for Facebook to boost engagement. Jennifer offered to contribute photos of trail stories and people she encounters.
Other Items
Round-up program: Joe discussed the Arby's round-up partnership
Ron Mofield memorial: Dave explained the memorial installed for Ron, a longtime volunteer and trail ambassador. Bill Click organized a memorial stone, installed under the Nickel Plate Trail sign. The family is pleased, and the project is complete.
Handicap signage: Complete except in Kokomo; Joe has contacted Kokomo Parks about installing a sign in their parking area and is awaiting a response
Lover's Lane–Peru connection: On hold (Mike)
MAC Trail: Complete between McGrawsville and Bunker Hill. Work continues with the state to complete the Bunker Hill–Grissom section; materials are being prepared for the next round of state funding
Main Street bike rack: Joe asked about removing the damaged rack and will look into it
Trail obstructions (fallen trees, etc.) should be reported via the website or Facebook Messenger
Bill moved to adjourn; Joe seconded.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan McCarthy
