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NWIRPS Meeting Minutes April 3, 2008 Meeting called to order at 6:45 pm I. ROLL CALL: Kevin Heggie, President—present Joseph Novosel, V. President—present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer—present Barney Slifer, Trustee—absent Mark Hajduk, Trustee—absent Pete Miksich, Member—present Ryan Kertis, Trustee—present Sam Beck, Member—present II. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of meeting on March 6, 2008, were read and approved.
III. TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer reported a sum of $200.90 in bank account. All annual dues have been paid and current membership numbers stand at 15 active members.
IV. OLD BUSINESS:
The following items were reported on and discussed:
A. Status of Museum site search and relocation of Old Hohman Avenue Tower. 1. Kevin reported that the status of the Old Hohman Tower had not yet changed from what was reported a month ago. The money to move the old Tower is available and in the hands of the Hammond Parks Foundation and relations with that group are very good. The entire trouble with moving the old structure is the lack of a piece of property to move it to.
2. Kevin then turned the report over to Joe Novosel who stated he had been working to identify the present ownership of the old EJ&E right-of-way property which extends along the north bank of the Grand Calumet River from approximately the west end of IHB’s Gibson Yard to the Illinois State Line. He now has a detailed right-of-way and track map, dated 1915, which illustrates the structures and rail lines existing in that year from which he can determine ground parcels which are still owned by the railroads (EJ&E and IHB) and pinpoint those that are not. There appears to be a strip of ground immediately along the north bank of the Grand Calumet between the Hohman Avenue Bridge and the Sohl Avenue Bridge, including the approach to IHB’s Swing Bridge 316, which is still in railroad hands. That would be the area immediately south of the American Steel facility and might include some of the parking areas used by American Steel’s employees. Further work to investigate the property along the EJ&E right-of-way between Sohl Avenue and Gibson Yard is ongoing. B. Signal Acquisition: 1. Next, Joe reported a proposal has been made to NICTD regarding their donating some of their signal equipment which is presently mounted on a signal tower to us. The proposal includes our dismantling the equipment from the tower and that we would undertake cleaning shrubs, etc., from the right-of-way through Munster.
2. Joe then segued into an excursion he had in the “Heist-mobile” along an old and long abandoned section of right-of-way near I-65.
C. Continuing reconditioning of Old 624. 1. Kevin reported that the rehabilitation priority schedule of the summer will be: a. Repair of the back section of the “security” fence in its present location as conflicts in property ownership issues prohibit relocating the fence. b. Addition of elevated flood lights around the property as added security measure along with the addition of a sign warning about camera surveillance. c. Welding the doors of the box car into place and repairing the locking mechanism. d. Installing some signal equipment on site. e. Installing the headlight w/unbreakable lens in a secure manner—which might cost around $300.00 for the purchase of the proper light.
2. Kevin then stated that the East Chicago printing contractor had been contacted and seemed favorably disposed toward performing some community work. He wants to meet w/us about that and to scope out the painting project on the 624 consist. V. NEW BUSINESS: Several few new business items were brought up. A. Kevin reported that he had spoken to both Mayor McDermott and to his Chief of Staff, Marty Weiglos, about the efforts of NWIRPS to restore the 624 and give the City of Hammond a symbol to be proud of and another attraction for citizens and visitors. They both seemed pleased and supportive. Then Kevin mentioned that one of our members, Sam Beck, was his neighbor and that Sam had asked the mayor for some support from the city. Next, Kevin stated that he was forming a sub-committee to work on grants consisting of himself, Joe, Sam Beck and Daniel Kleine.
B. Sam brought up the fact that there was a possibility of finding some corporate sponsorship from different area businesses. He stated that he had already tried contacting the Union Pacific RR about a sponsorship and was told that they only consider doing that for locations directly on their right-of-way. However, there were many other possible sources and he wanted to contact UPS about it. It was then brought up that the NWIRPS By-laws needed to be checked and possibly amended to accommodate such sponsorships.
C. Kevin spoke about the fact that Mark had great difficulty in attending Thursday meetings due in part to their location at the Hammond Public Library. Barney also was one who could not attend regular business meetings and with them being board members, that made it sometimes questionable as to whether a quorum would exist or not. The general discussion that followed centered around the question of replacing Barney and Mark as trustees. That discussion culminated in a motion by Richard to expand the number of trustees on the board. The motion was seconded by Pete. Joe then made the motion that Brian Kertis be elected as a trustee. Richard second that motion and Brian was voted to the trustee vacancy by acclamation.
D. Next, Kevin brought up the fact that he and all the other members of NWIRPS need organizational business cards to hand out to people and organizations that we are in contact with. A short discussion then followed regarding the type and content of our business cards. Richard stated that he would contact American Printing which already have our logos on file and that business contact telephone numbers for voice and fax would be needed before the cards could be printed. Joe stated that he would provide those numbers.
VI. Call for adjournment was made by Joe and second by Richard and the April meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes March 6, 2008 Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm
I. I. ROLL CALL:
Kevin Heggi, President—present Joseph Novosel, V. President—present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer—present Mark Hajduk, Trustee—absent until 8 p.m. then present Pete Miksich, Trustee—present Ryan Kertis, Member—present Sam Beck, Guest—present Fred Boyer, Guest—present
II. II. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of meeting on January 31, 2008, were read and approved.
III. III. TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer reported a sum of $150.90 in bank account. All annual dues have been paid and current membership numbers stand at 13 active members.
At this point a motion was made and seconded that the meeting agenda be suspended so that a presentation by Sam Beck could be made. The topic of the presentation was the current profile and future prospects of the International Harbor Belt Rail Road. This presentation highlighted an article being submitted for publication in Train Magazine. The presentation lasted approximately forty minutes and then the meeting agenda was resumed.
IV. IV. OLD BUSINESS:
The following items were reported on and discussed:
A. Status of Old Hohman Avenue Tower. 1. Kevin reported the results of his talks with the Hammond Historic Preservation commission and the fact that approx $43k can be made available to cover the costs of moving the Old Hohman Avenue Tower to another location—once that location has been determined. 2. Next, Kevin reported the results of the walk-through inspection of the Tower, accompanied by photographs, which show that the Tower is in remarkably good condition, free of mold, mildew, rot, rodents and various other ailments. It is full of pigeon poop but can easily be cleaned. Also in there are the rods, wiring, circuit and control boards along with the original display panels which still list the original tracks. All of these items are in excellent condition and MUST be preserved regardless of all other considerations. 3. Finally, Kevin reported that the Tower is a 16x24 foot building having a finished interior basement as well as a finished interior second floor which is missing all glass windows. Movement of the Tower is recommended to be done in two sections, with the Tower separated into upper and lower sections at the rafter line, and should be able to be done with the amount of capitol available. B. Selection of Museum Site: 1. Joe reported on the current state of the search for a future museum site by saying that he had begun conversations with the IHB for abandoned or unneeded IHB-owned properties within the general area of the old Swing Bridge 316. He has identified a potential location and further negotiations are expected. Additionally, the old building which was the last location of the Premier Candy Company and the property it rests upon are now in receivership and the identities of the parties involved is currently unknown. Further investigative work is ongoing. 2. Next, Joe reported on the overall condition inspection of Swing Bridge 316. His report, completed with the eye of a civil engineer, states that the overall condition of the bridge is in relatively good shape given its age and the degree and level of maintenance work that has (NOT) been done to keep it in a safe condition. While work would be needed to return it to a safe, light-use condition, the work would not be excessive. However, to return it to its original operating condition would require extensive dismantling, reconditioning of roller and wheel bearings, and rebuilding the control mechanisms. Of course, if this historic property could be added to the Museum, a nomination to the National Register would be sought along with federal grants for the restoration of the bridge. C. Continuing reconditioning of Old 624. 1. Kevin reported that one of his personal objectives will be replacing the headlight on 624 with one that is authentic and has bullet-proof glass or plexiglass so that it can not be broken out again. 2. Richard reported that one of his personal goals for the coming year will be to continue the logo-painting on 624 to include both sides of the engine. 3. Kevin then reported that the property ownership issues for the current site of 624 have been studied and completed and the result is that the rear (west) fence-line can not be moved further back than where it currently is due to the ambiguity over ownership and location of the western side property line. Therefore, the existing fence will have to be re-stitched to fill in the holes currently existing. With that issue resolved, security lighting to cover the current site limits will be installed. 4. Richard then asked Kevin if he had his cutting torch bottles refilled yet so that work to reorganize and increase the security of the Reefer Car can be done. Kevin then discussed that problem with Mark Hajduk and it appeared that the problem would be taken care of when the weather improves. V. NEW BUSINESS: Only a few new business items were brought up. A. Kevin brought up the fact that there was a new business over in East Chicago which was geared to paint railroad cars outside and that he would go and talk to them to get a feel on possibly having them donate the material and time to repaint some of the consist cars in the 624 display. B. The fact that the original control panel for the Hohman Crossing Tower is highly significant and we MUST make sure that it is saved regardless of what the results of our effort to save the entire tower end up being. C. The overall condition of Swing Bridge 316 and the need to place it on the National Register bring up the requirement to find a grant-writer who can make or at least help with the nominating process. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:24 pm with the following guests in attendance: Mr. Ron Svetic from Lake County Special Operations, Mr. Larry Mickow and Mr. Gary Everhart.
ROLL CALL
Kevin Heggi, President – Present Joseph Novosel, Vice President – Present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer pro temp – Present Mark Hajduk – Absent Barney Slifer – Absent Peter J. Miksich. Jr. – Present Ryan Kertis– Present
A quorum was determined present and meeting proceeded to the conduct of business.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
Previous meeting minutes were not presented as it had been some time since the last meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The error regarding the NWIRPS mailing address has been corrected. The bank account for the organization has a total $180.00 with additional membership funds still due to be received.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Kevin reported that information from IHB was received that indicates the old Erie Tower, sitting along the IHB trackage next to Hohman Avenue bridge, will be torn down on February 4, 2008, unless the city of Hammond or some other responsible party comes up with a real plan and a hard-target date for the tower’s re-location. NWIRPS so far has been the only group to communicate with IHB and said that the desire to relocate the tower is still strong, that we are seeking a location for it and that, failing to find a new location, would like permission to enter the building and remove any historically significant equipment items that still remain there prior to its demolition. Necessary actions still remaining to be done regarding the tower are:
1. an inspection of the interior to determine salvageability 2. obtaining permission to relocate the tower to the NIPSCO re-hab site 3. contacting the Hammond Parks Foundation to determine the availability of funds and the extent of funds to use in the relocation/equipment salvage
B. Kevin also reported on the current status of the 624 site and said that: 1. the property line documentation for the current railroad museum site has now become available & the neighboring organizations to the site will be contacted so that the fence line can now be repaired. 2. the repair of the reefer car doors will have to include a new door hasp for the east side door and remaking and welding a hasp and bar for the west side door. It will require someone having a portable welding rig which can be taken to the site for use there. 3. repair and re-hab work on the caboose will commence in the spring when the weather permits.
C. Kevin then went on to report that the remaining PRR signal equipment is still in Munster and “probably” will be retrieved sometime in February provided the weather cooperates.
D. It was decided that Pete and Richard will form a committee of two to address the necessary acquisition of stationary and to get membership and newsletters written and sent.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Kevin reported on the effort underway in Richard’s basement to establish the desired criteria for NWIRPS’s museum and a conceptual layout that conforms to the NIPSCO site. Kevin that stated that, due to the low ceiling in Richard’s basement, it is necessary to move the layout effort over to Joe’s facility in Merrillville. Joe stated that he had plenty of track available for use and Richard said that he already has the buildings necessary for the layout. Richard then commented that, while the NIPSCO site is ideal for our needs, there are elements in the city administration who do not want that site used as the location for a railroad museum and that we should be prepared to adapt the layout to some other location.
B. Kevin next reported that an effort is underway to acquire an operating desiel engine.
C. Next, a discussion regarding security cameras for the proposed museum site was begun without a clear resolution due to the uncertain nature of the NIPSCO site.
D. A discussion of the HAZMAT training facility requirements was conducted to clarify the steps necessary to be taken to insure that what is designed meets all necessary requirements.
ADJOURNED
Pete M. proposed and Joe N. seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes for August 2, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm
ROLL CALL
Kevin Heggi, President – Present Joseph Novosel, Vice President – Present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer pro temp – Present Mark Hajduk – Absent Barney Slifer – Absent Peter J. Miksich. Jr. – Present Ryan Kertis– Present
A quorum was determined present and meeting proceeded to the conduct of business.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes for the July meeting was made by Richard Lytle and seconded by Kevin Heggi and approved by acclamation.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The bank account for the organization has been established but an error in the account mailing address needs to be corrected so that bank account mail goes to the P.O. Box.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Kevin reported that the utility survey has been completed.
B. Kevin also said that the goal of the fence line relocation is being investigated by the Hammond City Engineer due to the concerns of the Hammond City Planner’s office.
C. Kevin then went on to report that the remaining PRR signal equipment in Munster to be retrieved is expected to be gathered up in the near future.
D. American Printing has provided an estimate for stationary of approximately $265 to $400.00 depending upon us providing them with the original artwork the whether envelopes are included in the order. Then a general discussion followed about the extend of the need for printed envelopes versus other types. No specific consensus was reached as it appeared that there will be a need for both types.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Richard voiced concerns about the status of the Reefer Car and the security of the 624 site in general. The followed questions regarding the expense of different street lights and other security costs.
B. Kevin reported that the error at the bank about the mailing address will be addressed during the coming week.
C. Joe said that the acquisition of a 36-foot boom truck is to be completed the next week and it will be used to acquire the additional signals remaining in Munster and that they will also try to acquire old rails from the Munster area.
D. Kevin brought up the issue of the Anniversary for the 624 Dedication and the idea of having a celebration which would include getting the Hammond Mayor to make a presentation and to contact Norfolk Southern for the possible use of a demo display car for the event.
E. Richard reported that the Hammond Historic Preservation commission has discussed the idea of taking the 624 bell from its storage area and having it placed on display in the Hammond public Library. A discussion followed as to whether NWIRPS would support of oppose the idea. No decision was reached due to the lack of a specific effort at this time however, it received favorable comments from some members as along as the display was not of a permanent nature.
F. Kevin brought up the need for creating a membership accountability database for determining who members were and recording their contact information, for what length of time each membership was paid, dues payment, etc. Pete Miksich volunteered to chair the membership database effort and Richard Lytle will begin keeping a membership dues account book.
ADJOURNED
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes for July 5, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:24 pm
ROLL CALL
Kevin Heggi, President – Present Joseph Novosel, Vice President – Present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer pro temp – Present Mark Hajduk – Absent Barney Slifer – Absent Peter J. Miksich. Jr. – Present Ryan Kertis– Present Jeremy White-guest
A quorum was determined present and meeting proceeded to the conduct of business.
A motion was made Joe Novosel and seconded by Richard Lytle to suspend the agenda temporarily to allow for a presentation.
Presentation by Jeremy White regarding the need for volunteers to help the Munster Historical Society to staff the Dyer Station during selected hours on specific days. Discussion which followed also touched upon help for the Robertsdale Station and the possibility of a grounds maintenance contract with AMTRAK.
A motion to return to the routine conduct of business was made by Joe Novosel and seconded by Richard Lytle
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes for the May & June meetings was made by Richard Lytle and seconded by Kevin Heggi and both minutes were so approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
No report
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Clean-up of June 9 & 10 was successful and all goals established for that activity were accomplished. However, additional site improvements continue to be needed. Tree removal has also been accomplished thanks to Kevin, Pat Moore of the Parks Department and the Hammond Street Department. A site survey for underground utilities has been done and the Hammond Sewer Dept will be coming to the site to finish clearing the area behind the train and digging up the tree roots that are still in the ground. After that is completed, NIPSCO will be coming to put in additional security lighting.
B. PRR Signals: some of the signals have been retrieved but more yet remain to acquire.
C. The Gopher has returned to the site and is again under the train.
D. The Secretary did not get any information about stationary for NWIRPS.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Kevin reported that he has checked on estimates to move either the train or selected cars of the consist onto an additional parallel track on the 624 site. Hulcher will donate the use of their equipment but we would have to pay for the crew time involved in the work.
B. The necessary utility survey on the 624 site has been done.
C. Kevin reported that there are PRR signals and pending signal head donations.
D. There was an overall discussion about site development and the need to be cautious regarding the relationship between NWIRPS and some Hammond city officials.
E. It was unanimously agreed that the acquisition of NWIRPS stationary is the first priority.
ADJOURNED
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes for June 7, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 7:25 pm
ROLL CALL
Kevin Heggi, President – Present Joseph Novosel, Vice President – Present Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer pro temp – Present Mark Hajduk – Absent Barney Slifer – Absent Peter J. Miksich. Jr. – Present Ryan – Present
A quorum was determined present and meeting proceeded to the conduct of business.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
The secretary forgot to make copies of the minutes to have available for reading and the approval of the minutes was deferred to the next business meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT
No report
OLD BUSINESS Weekend Clean-up Work List presented and discussed which included the following: * Removal and cleaning of old wood, dirt, etc. from caboose is a priority goal, * Removing plywood and trash from inside Reefer and the remounting and securing the side door is another priority goal. * Cleaning tender & coal screw plus loco cab & removal of dirt from tracks. * Adjusting fencing and access gate is needed. * Check with Parks Dept. about trash pick-up. PRR Signal Equipment acquisition. * Once work crew complete clean-up tasks they are to retrieve abandoned PRR signals.
NEW BUSINESS
New membership form created and posted on web-site for easy access and downloading.
NWIRPS will need to have its own stationary soon. Richard will check with American Printing & others about costs and time requirements for the new stationary. Members will check on the status of an Alco S-2 and another diesel power unit with the view of acquiring it for the organization.
The first reading of the proposed By-Laws for the organization was conducted and wording changes were discussed and approved.
The first reading of the Articles of Incorporation was postponed for seven days pending the closure of the meeting facility.
ADJOURNED
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm
NWIRPS Meeting Minutes for May 3, 2007
Meeting called to order at 6:30 pm
I. ROLL CALL: Kevin Heggi, President Joseph Novosel, V. President Richard Lytle, Secretary & Treasurer Pro Tem Mark Hajduk, Trustee Pete Miksich, Trustee Bill Molony, guest
II. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: No meeting minutes to approve
III. TREASURER’S REPORT: No treasury and no treasurer previous to this meeting to report.
IV. OLD BUSINESS:
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