SYRACUSE — Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee met Monday, Feb. 20, and discussed the financial report at great length. Due to the amount in the available general funds account, Megan McClellan, executive director, suggested moving some of the money into another account.

She said the amount may be a deterrent when asking for some grants.

There is $123,524.87 in the general funds account.

One committee member, Dr. Erick Leffler, suggested moving some funds into a maintenance fund. The committee’s chairman, Kay Young, said perhaps putting money aside for the Conklin Bay boardwalk project.

However, one committee member, Bob Smith, suggested an accountant look at the financial report. McClellan will talk to an accountant and have a report at the next trail meeting.

McClellan said the total cost for the SR 13 crossing project is $62,853.25. Of that, $3,500 will come from the town of Syracuse as an in-kind gift. McClellan has requested $39,353.25 from the K21 Foundation. There is $20,000 in the budget for the project.

As far as Northshore Drive repairs, four small projects need to be completed. A quote from Pulver Asphalt and Paving is $7,239 for all four projects. McClellan said $20,000 has been set aside in the budget for repairs.

Seventy-seven private donations totaling $14,762 have been submitted for the Laudeman family match. There is $14,691.68 in grants and reimbursements. Total donations included $29,453.68.

Trails to the new Syracuse Elementary School were discussed. Two trails are being proposed near the new school on Kern Road. McClellan is working with the Wawasee Community School Corp. regarding the trail projects.

McClellan is meeting with Earth Source Thursday, March 2, regarding the Conklin Bay project. She will have an update at the next trail meeting. An Earth Source representative will also be at the next meeting. An INDOT bond waiver has been requested, but must be approved by Kosciusko County Commissioners.

The Winter Warm-up 5K was Saturday, Jan. 28, and there were 33 runners. Entry fees totaled $580 for a profit of $394.22 with costs totaling $928.32.

A Couch to 5K program is April 18-June 13. It starts at 5:15 p.m. A location has yet to be determined for the nine-week course. The fee is $45.

A Conklin Bay Concert fundraiser, featuring James and the Drifters, is Saturday, Aug. 19, with a location to be determined.

The opening day for trails is Saturday, April 22, the same day as the Tails and Trails community dog walk.

McClellan presented the January treasurer’s report. Donations totaled $9,795 and expenses totaled $6,582.61. Donations included $4,000 from Tour des Lakes and a $2,500 transfer from PayPal.

She gave an update on the grants she has requested. She is applying for or has received 10 grants. A $10,000 grant was received from the Harkless Foundation for construction of the Conklin Bay project. Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission gave a $800 donation for the 5K timer.

Volunteer of the Month is Becky Brower. She is not a committee member, however, she volunteered at several trail events, such as Tour des Lakes.

The next meeting is at 6 p.m. March 20, at the trails office in Syracuse.