Minutes from the June 10, 2019 Meeting President Bernie Hanmore called the membership meeting to order at 7:58 p.m at the residence of Terry and Maryann Martin, after the annual picnic with good food and good friends. In attendance were Bernie and Hanmore, Ed and Suann Cronin, Carl and Vanessa Timko, Bill McComas, Jack and Linda Sheets, John and Lynda Snyder, Stan Niwa, John and Cheryl Nagurney, Nick Ozorak and his fiance Bethany, Al and Brenda Reibel, Terry and Maryann Martin, Scott and Joyce Ladner, Richard Roberts, Dan Higham, Hunt Christie, Stephanie Franz, Mike Lynch, Jonathon, Stephanie, Tyler, Alexis, and Tanner Gable, Ken, Theresa, Adam, and Jake Novosel, Arden Hibbard, and guest Corey Copeland. Treasurer's Report Treasurer Ed Cronin read a year-to-date summary, but later said that it needed updated. The editor did not receive the update in time to be included in the minutes and the Second Section. Committee Reports Budget/Finance/ Insurance/Compliance Recent grants for the depot were received from Walmart and the Tom E. Dailey Foundation. Donations are also being received, but income is still far behind the projected expenses for the next two years. It was suggested to hire a certified public accountant. One suggestion is Debbie Parker Pipp of the McGill, Power, Bell and Associates. Mrs. Pipp was the head of the area NTMA chapter. Membership The French Creek Valley Railroad Historical Society's newest members are Arden Hibbard, and the Novosel family: Ken, Theresa, Adam, and Jake. Welcome aboard! Two officers and three directors posts expired and required renewals of the directors and election of new officers. Bill McComas, Jack Sheets, and Stan Niwa agreed to serve another two year term. Vice President Dennis Mead decided to decline another term. Ed Cronin also declined to serve another term as treasurer. Nominated for the vice president post was Scott Ladner. Nominated for the treasurer's post was Al Reibel. Both received unanimous votes to assume their respective positions. All three directors also were approved to renew their terms. John Nagurney reaffirmed that the copies of the new by-laws were soon to be released to the membership. Terry and Maryann Martin were thanked for hosting the annual picnic at their residence. Membership dues are to be in by June 30, except for membes recently enrolled since January 2019. Museum An anonymous donor contributed enough funds to pay for the new roof. Whoever you are, thank you! Deconstruction is just about complete for the first phase of renovation of the Meadville Railroad Depot. The next step is to level the flooring. The cost of materials was approved by the attending members. A licensed plumber will be needed soon for the installation of the bathrooms. A sign to fit the frame that stands along Mead Avenue will be made in the near future. It will help get the word out about the depot. Stan Niwa will be mowing at times when weather permits. (Editor's note: Stan broke is leg at home recently and won't be mowing anytime soon.) Volunteers are always needed at the depot to help renovate the depot. Work sessions are normally scheduled for Thursdays and Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Property/Equipment The snowplow, as of this meeting, was scheduled to have the lettering applied on June 20, weather permitting. Jack Sheets received two quotes for the glass in the snowplow. The first estimate was for $960; the second estimate was for $2053. The average price per glass is $80. Members are encouraged to donate to help pay for the window glass. Flashing will be needed for the windows as well. Jack mentioned he painted the steps on the snowplow black. Sometime this summer, the last detail on the B&LE boxcar will be completed. The small lettering will be applied to the doors. The floodlights at the railroad display site are all now working. There was a mention of installing a photocell to control them. Public Relations/Education The caboose is now open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. At least two volunteers are needed every Sunday. Those who do not have a key can contact a board member, including the secretary, who will loan you the key. Please notify the secretary if you are available. Special Events/Programs The only area train show coming up is the Jefferson Historical Society Train Swap and Sale on July 20, 2019 at the Jefferson Community Center, located at 11 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson, OH. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and children under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. The show is small but very enjoyable. Last year, Carl and Vanessa Timko attended the show and were very impressed with the friendliness of all the vendors. This is where they met Barbara Hamilton, who raised their interest in the film documentary “Engineering Tragedy: The Ashtabula Train Disaster”, in which they have roles as extras. Next Meeting The next membership meeting is Monday, July 8, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., at the Railroad Display Site in Pomona Park, Meadville, PA, weather permitting. For those who haven't visited the park yet, access is a drive off of the French Creek Parkway, between Mercer and Linden Streets. Members attending are advised to bring their own chair for the meeting. Should the weather not cooperate, the meeting may be held at the U.S. Bronze Foundry & Machine, Inc., located at 18649 Brake Shoe Road, Meadville, PA. Members will be notified of any changes. See you there!