Next Meeting March 31, 2026 @ 7PM at the St. Charles School, Peru
Nickel Plate Trail Minutes
February 24, 2026
Attendees: Ted Cox, Steve Gough, Gloyd Johnson, David Cota, Bill Shewman, 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, Diane Lehman, Jim Lehman, Jean Holder, Scott Zeyen, Duane Long, Jeff Fivecoate
The meeting began at 7:00 PM at the St Charles School in Peru. After introductions, Bill moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Jeff, motion carried.
Steve presented the treasurer’s report. Steve summarized the transactions. January income was $5,755.88. There was no income for February. Expenses for January were $2947.14, February 380.25. YTD income is $5,755.88; YTD expenses are $3,327.39. We sold some property in Deedsville. The MAC Trail Budget was explained by Steve. Steve also explained all the accounts that we have available to us. Jeff motioned to approve, Gloyd 2nd, motion carried.
Joe explained Arby’s roundup program that brought in over $900. This program is greatly appreciated by NPT and is so helpful with our ongoing maintenance expenses.
Dan reported on the progress of our new website. Joe and Navi have been working on an updated map which is ready and will be on the updated website. It’s a few weeks away from being published and made available to the public.
REMC has committed to putting poles where needed at the Cassville bridge. We are waiting for a good weather date to have NPT personnel available to assist. It will probably be after April 15th.
Jeff reported on what we want to do about updating the trail surface in the areas that most need it. The area we are looking at is in the Drag strip to Miami area. Jeff explained how we are going to try and finance the repaving. This is a very large expense and totally financed by the NPT. NPT has 15K earmarked for the project. We hope to raise an additional 15K to pave at least .5 miles. The NPT is putting this project out to bid.
Navi explained the new map that they have been working on. She explained how they went about updating the map. The map being readable if printed in both black and white and in color. The guiding principle is accuracy and it being easy for the user to use are items that we feel are important. It is set up to be able to print out different parts of the trail since not everyone uses the entire trail. Handicap parking will be shown on the map. Joe is proposing a connector map that shows how to connect the north part of the trail to the south section. Joe asked for who should be contacted to show the updates.
Scott told of all the improvements that have been made in the maintenance trailer. Improvements are larger wheels, new axle, longer tongue, propane tanks are now on the outside of the trailer, outside areas to hold cold patch and extra tar, a new way to raise and lower the tilt which is a safer crank mechanism.
Mike is looking for volunteers for Celebrate trail day on April 25, 2026. Mike suggested setting up our display at the “Y” and then have a ribbon cutting for the MAC trail the same day. Hopefully all the signage will be completed by then.
The new map for the website and port a pot in RCR for the coming season was approved.
Navi discussed the project tracking list which is helping us stay focused.
Jeff reported on getting Howard County help with maintenance on the Howard County portion of the trail. They have committed to getting this area cleaned up. This is also greatly appreciated and will be very helpful for the NPT crews.
Mike reported on how to continue getting some income from signage along the trail.
Mike also reported on a piece of property in Bunker Hill that we have finally been able to purchase. Mike is trying to get bids for the tunnel at Bunker Hill.
Other Business: With snow this year it would have been nice to dedicate an area of trail that we leave the snow for cross-country skiers. We will keep this in mind for next year.
Ted hopes to have the newsletter ready to go soon, hopefully by the next meeting.
Adjournment motion by Steve, seconded by Joe; meeting ended at 8:20 PM.
Respectfully,
Ted Cox
Next meeting: March 31, 2026 @ 7:00 PM St. Charles School, Peru
I told my bike a joke . . . it didn’t laugh – it just wheely ignored me.
Thank you for sending the minutes out for people who love and support the NPT, but can't get to meetings. Laissez les bon temps et bicyclettes rouler!! :)
