Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee members Sherm Goldenberg, left, and Kay Young listen to Dr. Tom Edington deliver a financial report via a Zoom call. InkFreeNews photo by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee held a hybrid virtual meeting on Monday evening. With several members unable to attend for a variety of reasons, Executive Director Erlene Yentes, committee chair Kay Young and committee member Sherm Goldenberg were the only ones there in person, although other members joined virtually via Zoom.

During the financial report provided by Dr. Tom Edington, it was reported that the committee had a total intake of $46,296, including donations, reimbursements and grants, during the month of December. It also was noted that for the first time there is an account line item for trail maintenance, which stands at $20,600, which includes $7,000 received from the Harkless Foundation. Executive Director Erlene Yentes said she is continuing to pursue an Indiana Trails matching grant, which, if approved, would provide an 80-20 match to the committee.

It was noted that USI, the Indianapolis-based firm that conducted the feasibility study for the committee, had provided six bound copies of the final report, which was condensed into sections and an appendix. Copies of the study are available for public review at both the Syracuse Public Library and the Syracuse Community Center.

Yentes noted that she has receive around 56 responses to the public survey that was made available late last year. She is in the process of compiling the results for review by the committee. She also said she continues to hold meetings with community leaders who have a vested interest in the trail and its proposed expansion. She has met with the superintendent of Wawasee Community School Corporation and the developers of the former Southshore Golf Course. She intends to have meetings soon with the owners of Brook Pointe Inn, the Syracuse town manager and County Commissioner Brad Jackson.

The committee will be hosting a community engagement meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Syracuse Community Center. Residents are invited to attend to speak with committee members about the trail and its proposed expansion, as well as to review the feasibility study. Representatives from USI also will be on hand to answer questions.

The next meeting of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Committee will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21. The public is invited to attend.