Application deadline for the executive director’s position with the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee is Wednesday, July 25. The committee hopes to have a director hired by Aug. 1. Mike Buhrt, committee chairman, reported at press time that the job had been posted and only one application received.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, said he sent the posting to the Indiana Park and Recreation Association. Buhrt emailed it to the Warsaw and Goshen Parks Department as well as to friends in Goshen, asking that they spread the word about the job opening.

Buhrt asked if someone would be interested in being vice chairman of the committee. His term ends next spring and he believes the sooner someone steps in as vice chairman, the better. Bob Trame said he’s talked to someone about considering the position.

Erick Leffler and Trame have driven the route and created a list of 30 possible signs for the trail. Jonsson has talked to Premiere Signs about making and installing the signs and is waiting for an estimate.

Discussion turned to painting or striping crosswalks along the trail. Sam Leman asked about a crosswalk at the intersection of Pickwick and S.R. 13. Jonsson said Spike Ford and Police Chief Tony Ciriello both have asked the Indiana Department of Transporation to do something about it.

Decals were made and will be give out for a free will donation at the Wawasee Property Owners Association breakfast on Saturday, June 21. There was also discussion about putting a decal into the thank-you notes sent to donors, and giving one to businesses that purchase bike racks.

Jonnson told the committee there are enough brochures for the WPOA breakfast. The county convention and visitors bureau needs more brochures, however. Sandy Buhrt said she would reorder 1,000.

Leffler reported that two volunteers are needed July 11 to help mark the trail for Tour des Lakes. Three volunteers are needed to help with registration.

Marsha Carey, grant writer, provided an update on two grants that are still pending. Buhrt said the problem the committee is facing is most grants require the funds be used for a specific purpose, such as specific trail section.

During a review of the current projects the trail committee is working on, it was learned that construction is ongoing on Northshore and Eastshore drives. The weather has caused delays.

The committee will gather information on the Vawter Park section this summer and expects to hear within a few weeks whether it received a $1.5 million grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation for the SR 13 section. If the grant is approved the funds will not be awarded until 2018.

If the grant is not awarded to the committee, other alternatives will be explored. Buhrt noted having a trail on Harkless Drive down to S.R. 13 would be a good proposal for the next project to be tackled.

Buhrt asked for a volunteer to oversee the widening of the Eli Lilly Trail and coordinate with two or three families who fully support the project.

There was also discussion on a feasibility study for the south east end of Wawasee.