Now that Old Man Winter has finally moved on, Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee discussed trail maintenance during its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

Committee member Bob Trame brought up several maintenance issues. He met with Larry Mock, who has agreed to trim back the brush on several sections of trail on Cornelius Road. Trame noted there are “gnarly things” growing along a fence line and wondered if the Pickwick Neighborhood Association would mind if they were taken out before Mock attempted his work.

Kay Young, committee member, offered to see if she could contact the president of the Pickwick Neighborhood Association about the matter.

Mock noted there are several dead pine trees on the east side of Mudd Lake. There is a 50/50 chance those trees could fall on the roadway, possibly damaging vehicles or injuring people. Trame asked who should be contacted about possibly removing the trees.

Trame also noted there are several trees along the section of trail the Wawasee Kiwanis Club cares for that need to come out. He said he and a couple volunteers will pull the trees out. He also noted he repaired a post on the boardwalk that had been damaged by a snowmobile.

On the Eastshore/Northshore drives corridor, there is an easement which was struck by a vehicle this the winter. Mike Buhrt, committee chairman, said he understood the driver’s insurance was willing to work with the committee in covering the cost of the repairs. He recommended hiring someone to do the work.

Trame suggested a letter be drawn up to be sent or given to landscapers asking they help clear the trail when they are done working at a client’s home.

Buhrt suggested waiting until next month before taking any action and see what transpires. Committee members did agree it was important to get gravel off portions of the trail that were not in front of private property.

Jerry Wright reported the Syracuse Lions Club still needs to vote on adopting a section of the trail.

Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of Wawasee schools, reported the schools use a brush to clear off the sidewalks/trail of gravel. He wasn’t sure how it would work when moving from one section of the trail to the other where was a slight dip or break. He offered to see how the brush would work and report back to the committee.

Trame suggested the committee open a charge account at a local hardware store for replacement boards or equipment.

More trail brochures were delivered to the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Arrangements were also made to have brochures available for the Wawasee Property Owners Association breakfast in June.