A new board was elected during Fairbanks Cycle Club Annual Meeting on November 11, 2018 by all in attendance. The following members were elected:
Officers
President: Rachael Kvapil
Vice President: David James
Secretary: Ryan Kabat
Treasurer: Evee Rynish
Board Members-at-Large
Geoff Orth
Julie Mancill
Bud Kuenzli continues as our FMATS Liasion
Rachael Kvapil reported unfortunate news that the Fairbanks Cycle Club had been hit by an email scam via our former Treasurer, who had been suffering medical issues. Once the problem was discovered Rachael Kvapil, David James, and Julie Mancill worked with Wells Fargo to recover as much as possible. Since the money had been wire transfers, the receiving banks could not guarantee retrieval of money. Of the $17,000+ lost to this scam, over $3,500 was returned by Citibank. We received news right before the Annual Meeting that no other funds were retrieved by any other banks. The former Treasurer stepped down immediately and his name removed from all financial accounts and state documents. After an internal investigation, David James reported that the former treasurer truly fell to a scam and no actions on his part was due to malice.
Rachael Kvapil presented an update on the Ester Dome North Side Trail provided by Geoff Orth. This summer FCC received a grant from REI to assess and begin development on a 8+ mile trail; however, after a recent assessment plans have been changed:
The proposal for an Ester Dome – North Side Trail is postponed. A recent site survey has concluded that the eastern alignment is not suitable for a multi-use trail. A combination of changing environmental conditions and land ownership on the eastern approach presents conditions that are not sustainable or cost effective at this time. Changes in land ownership and/or permission from current land owners could alter this for future trail considerations.
The Fairbanks Cycle Club, Stray Dogs LLC and Happy Trails Inc want nothing but the best outcome for both the trail user and environment!
Adam Leland from DNR further added:
Given the trail alignment issues outlined below, the construction of a trail as proposed in the easement application is not currently possible without substantial realignment or additional funding. As a result, the current application is considered withdrawn, and the case file for ADL 421017 will be closed. Should the construction of the North Side Trail be re-proposed, a new easement application will be necessary.
Thank you, and good luck with your future endeavors.
REI has allowed us to use the remaining grant funds to look into a downhill trail near the Ester Dome Singletrack.
Several ride leaders gave reports. Rachael Kvapil said race directors for the Tour of Fairbanks and the Chena Hot Springs Ride have yet to be found despite offering paid positions. David James emphasized that board responsibilities do not include organizing races and that members needed to take on these responsibilities if they want races to continue.
Going into the future, Rachael Kvapil feels the board needs to focus on further recruitment of members and to the Board, as several members will step down in the coming years. She also suggested strategic planning so that Fairbanks Cycle Club has a clear idea of where to invest the boards time and efforts in the coming year.
~minutes filed by Rachael Kvapil