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Present & via Zoom:
Martin Wheeler, Jim Frierson, David Robinson, Ralph Messera, Bill Easterling, Ed Locklin, Bob Bischoff, Tommy Thomas, Allison Terracio, Jackie Bowers and Phil Astwood
Secretary's Report:
Phil Astwood did not attend the November Meeting and had not yet transcribed the minutes from the Zoom recording.
Treasurer's Report: Ralph Messera e-mailed the following report:
Cash Balance 11/15/22 $2,589.22
Revenues Dues and Donations by Check
Dues and Donations by Cheddar-up 235.00
Expenses
Copies, Envelopes, etc. 50.94
Postage Stamps (2 rolls) 120.00
Cash Balance 1/19/23 $3,563.28
Checking Account- $3,303.28
Chedder Account- 260.00
Membership Analysis
2021 2022 2023
North Carolina 33 26 23
South Carolina 9 7 6
Other States 6 6 6
Totals 48 39 35 (as of 1/20/21)
Total number of different paid members over the 3 years – 62 meaning that a fair number of people have not consistently paid.
Regular renewal notices mailed Out- 50 (1/5/23)
Notices mailed out from Gene's old membership records- 110 (1/12/23)
These records are mainly from the period from 2008 through about 2011 and so far have generated 5 renewals from folks who have not been a paid member for many years.
Former treasurer, Gene Kirkland, kept Xerox copies of each check he received. Ralph requested and received the Board’s permission to dispose of these. Ralph also requested and received Board approval to dispose of expenditure receipts for purchases prior to 2018.
Appointment of Vacant Board Member and Officer Positions:
According to Martin Wheeler, the association presently has 11 board members. The by-laws specify a number between 12 and 18 distributed between NC and SC based on membership in each state. We currently have sufficient members from SC and should add at least 1 from NC. Any new members can hold an appointed position for one year before running for election to a 2 year term. Tommy Thomas has expressed an interest in joining the Board and he was appointed to a one-year term. Others who have expressed an interest in joining the Board are Byron Woodson, Sebastian Feculak, Paul Ballard and Jared Blank.
501 c3 Status:
Martin reminded the Board that our status has lapsed due to records that were not submitted in the past. In a meeting with Eddie Sullivan who set up our status originally, Martin and Jim Frierson were told that Mr. Sullivan could reestablish our status for a cost of $1,500. They believe this would be a good investment that would facilitate donations as well as establishing our eligibility for several grant programs. The Board voted to expend approximately $1,500 to restore the status.
R2R Developments (Raleigh – Richmond):
Not a great deal to report. The necessary right-of-way is being acquired and service is expected to begin around 2030.
Western North Carolina Rail Committee Update:
The majority of discussion at the last meeting was related to the extension of service from Salisbury to Asheville. Further action awaits a feasibility report from a consulting firm due in a month or two. Most stations are ready except for Hickory which apparently does not want a stop and Asheville where there is doubt about the suitability of the proposed location. There also was some discussion about the future of the Saluda Grade.
Status of Infrastructure Funding for Western and Eastern NC Service Extensions:
It is not yet clear when this money will be available even though $58 million has already been used for the R2R.
Update on Florence – Myrtle Beach Rail Passenger Efforts:
Martin and Jim met in Myrtle Beach with the mayor, county officials, the city manager, tourism officials and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce. There was some urgency to stimulate interest in rail service because of the current interest in removing a portion of the existing tracks to install a trail. Many officials in Myrtle Beach were interested in a passenger rail line, but felt that this proposal is premature.
Update on the Resolution Drive in SC in Support of Rail Passenger Service:
Nothing new on this, but perhaps we could interest SCETV in a story on passenger rail in SC.
Planning for Columbia-Charlotte Initiative:
There has been interest in this in the past and since we will soon have 5 frequencies between Charlotte and Raleigh, Martin suggested we work up a proposal for extending one or two round trips to Columbia. This could be presented to both mayors and to other interested people in the legislature.
State Advisory Committees to Monitor Rail to Trail Corridors:
Martin said that the state of Maine has had a similar issue in which there is no coordination between parties on the issue of conversion of rails to trails. In Maine the solution has been to set up a state commission to monitor this. Perhaps something similar would be appropriate in SC.
Update on News in NC and SC Affecting Transit and Rail Passenger Service:
Tommy Thomas discussed the possible controversy on routing a line to Wilmington via Goldsboro or Fayetteville. Bob Bischoff reminded all that we probably have only two more years to make a decision while money is still available to take any action. Ed Locklin asked if dining service had returned to the Crescent (no one knew). In relation to the SC Resolution Drive, Ed also mentioned that former State Rep. Walt McCloud had told us that most money available for transportation in SC goes to the Greenville or the Charleston area. Ralph Messera said that train hosts are back on the Piedmonts and Carolinian. Martin said that now that the Board is complete, we should reissue business cards for each board member. Martin will look into this.
Charlotte Area Transit Update:
Martin reported significant problems in this area related to an awkward and inefficient management system which has delayed progress on the Gateway Multimodal Station and may well lead to a bus driver strike.
Amtrak Update:
Martin mentioned that apparently the new Siemens Charger locomotives do not respond well to cold weather.
Planning for Future Meetings:
Tommy will check on a meeting location for March in the Wilmington area.
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