Minutes of the Railroad Advisory Council Meeting

25th August 2002

Star Bakery, Nevada City

 

In attendance: D. Mahlum, P. Keim, R. Kleindorfer, J. King, B. Bateman, J. Ellingsen, R. Williams, J. Frost, J. Tiberi, D. Johnson.

 

  1. A suggestion was made to stage a commercial moonlight train ride. We currently provide a moonlight train ride once per season for local residents as a good will gesture. An additional ride could be marketed and tickets sold in advance as a special event for the summer. A package deal could be worked out with the hotels, theaters, and restaurants. We need a full moon, preferably in August. The group agreed that this was a good idea and Jeff and Randy will set a date so that the Chamber can include the event in the calendar.
  2. The public address systems on the trains are working well. Operators indicated that they believe that there is too much talking by the conductors, and that riders want a little break to enjoy the scenery or listen to the sounds of the train. This observation will be forwarded to Julie.
  3. Joel offered to find the details of a program to “Be an Engineer on the Railroad”. This program is used on other railroads and allows visitors to purchase a ticket to act as an engineer for a short period of time during the runs. The concept was supported by the group and will be pursued when the details arrive.
  4. The Seitz report was discussed. This is a good document that begins to lay out the tasks ahead of us if we are to make the railroad a success. We need to prioritize what we want to keep and what can be sold. Randy and John estimate that we need about $68,000 to protect the cars, make the site safe, and formally open a railroad museum. There are no funds available for this, but Randy is looking into a grant program. We should, at the very least, paint the two main cars near the highway.
  5. The 2002 schedule worked well, but at times there was lots of stress on the operators. We need to develop more operators. We lost one promising volunteer, but another has appeared. The group agreed to keep the same schedule for 2003.
  6. #8 is having a number of maintenance problems. It is about 10 years old and the age is showing. #12 has a number of maintenance problems also. The group wanted to know if we could set aside a certain percentage of RR revenue as a reserve fund for engine maintenance. If we do not there will certainly be a large bill in the future, and it will have to come out of other funds. Jeff will look into this concept and report back to the group. Can work be done on #8 this winter? Randy replied that we can accomplish the work, but the Commission also has a long list of other items that they would like to see accomplished, and all the tasks have to be prioritized.
  7. What are revenues compared to operating expenses? We will not have the figures until the end of the season. Randy paid a number of large bills recently and it looks like there will be track work needed. Pat suggested that any track work wait until the Spring, as work accomplished in the Fall will be altered by frosts and water. There are three dips and sags that need attention. We need a drill. Randy may have a line on one. Pat is also looking for a drill.
  8. How do we get people off the train and into Nevada City? We need to offer a combo ticket as a first response to purchasers. Currently there is no combo ticket for #12. Jeff will look into this and try to have a combo ready for 2003. Alternatively, we could offer a discount to holders of tickets should they wish to see NC. Another option would be to offer ½ price for a Frontier House tour to the holder of a #12 ticket.
  9. We need official postcards of #12. The operators are asked for post cards often enough that they think they will sell. Three to five cards would be appropriate. We will pass this information to Julie.
  10. This project could make progress with the addition of passenger cars. The group discussed the long tern acquisition of passenger cars. No progress has been made in this regard, but we are still looking for a donor or a funding source to build these cars. The group asked that we consider building one with our own crews.
  11. We need a pop valve made for steam locomotives. The group agreed that this was a good use of funds, and Randy will purchase one.
  12. We need a long-term plan for the railroad. We need to develop a vision for the railroad. Members of the group were asked to send Jeff what they see as the vision for the site. Pls have this to Jeff before the end of the year.
  13. The test to certify operators of steam locomotives will be ready this Fall. We have a number of folks interested in taking the test.
  14. We are using FRA inspection sheets for all our activities. Bob passed around samples of the forms. These forms should indicate that we are trying to do things in a systematic manner.
  15. Tom Donnelley kindly donated a new logo, hats, pins and patches.
  16. The group suggested that we place a guest sign-in log in the locomotive barn to aid in the recruitment of volunteers.  (Will Joel follow-up on this?)
  17. We need to get the donation box up at the NC Depot.
  18. Madison County has a full time grants agent and we may be able to ask for their help.

 

Thank you to the participants for taking time from their valuable schedules to attend this meeting.

 

jdt

29thAug02