"The 1990's"

A rather routine annual meeting was held January 27th, 1990. The IRS is in a new 100 day cycle since additional data has been forwarded to them re exempt status.. Jim Doody was working on a power pole for the trailer line. Barn repairs needed were noted. It was agreed that pea gravel would be a much better trail and low spot filler than sand which is too messy. The Cabin’s electrical inspection was to cost approximately $50.00. Cost estimates needed for insulation, paneling and vents. The staff was reelected unanimously. Spring workday to be in early May. A property book is to be instituted.

At our spring meting on April 14th it was noted that an IRS letter dated February 1, 1990 acknowledging a determination that we are a 501c(3) non profit, federally tax exempt organization. The NYS Sales Tax Exemption Application is next. It was noted that the blue tractor donated by the Jaenecke family would need major hydraulic work by fall and that a used box scrapper should be obtained for it. Bruce Shugarts had done what he could to it at home and it was ready to return to the island for the time being. Bruce Sherman was to reimburse us for five sheets of plywood for Troop 184’s Lean-to floor.

A special meeting of the executive committee was held on June 5th to review our five year old Ranger Agreement. Modifications were to be presented to the Board of Directors for approval. It was also noted that our fire Underwriters compliance certificate dated May 10 was in hand.

At a meeting on August 21st, Ranger Len Serusa noted his displeasure with the new agreement that was adopted and indicated he might only remain until the following spring. John Jones was elected assistant Treasurer.

At the annual meeting on December 7th, the cabin was estimated @ $37,500.00 for insurance replacement purposes. Drywall needed taping and the kitchen area needs a plywood floor. B.F.I. will pump porta-johns for about $25.00 each. The site #15 location for Troop 575 shelter is OK. Troop 573 Lean-to damaged, ranger reported to police. The barn should be replaced or repaired. The camp officers were reelected. The Directors and MAL’s were elected as presented.

The early months of 1991 were generally routine. At the May 4th directors meeting it was noted that Lewiston Trail Council would be having a Camporee at the Island from October 4 to 6. Troop 63’s shelter request was held pending complete drawings/ building plans. The area between the cabin kitchen and the nearby berm is to be cleared. The Ranger agreement is to be cancelled effective August 1st. Registered notice is to be sent. The following Saturday is spring work day. Paint is to be ordered through Del Krause no later than May 10th.

Thursday evening June 27th brought phone calls from Doug to all the Directors about grass maintenance equipment failure (Niagara County Park rider - engine failure). Relying on Jeff and Bob as backup was all right, but we really needed equipment in camp to utilize manpower when it was there in camp. Doug and Don J met with Harvey Pfenning about new/ used options. The decision was to buy the Cub cadet we now have. That weekend Jeff and Bob had their own riders in camp to get the grounds under control for the start of the HDC season. By this time I believe that we had the bush hog that goes with the blue tractor? Old blue, a 6 volt would not start so Sunday morning Doug drove his ‘52 Buick (a 6 volt system) out to try to jump start the tractor which we wanted to use for cutting or perhaps stone / road leveling. When Doug left, Jeff was done and headed home and Bob was almost done. For some reason his trailer was not hooked up to his Bronco and as he went to move the Bronco from the center of the main cabin parking lot an apparent fuel leak quickly engulfed the engine compartment. Bob saw smoke/flame? shooting out of the hood and promptly got out as flames then spread to and totally destroyed the vehicle. He called either before or just after I arrived home and I headed back to camp with my regular vehicle to get him soon after I arrived a flatbed hauled away his burned out shell (dead horse).

Niagara County repaired their engine. Jeff Westcott returned the county unit and picked up the Cub with his trailer within a week or so and later picked up the repaired county unit. Dave Eadie was a frequent early operator of the Cub.

Bruce Sherman proposed Todd Yoder as a possible new Ranger. It was decided to interview him and report. Grass cutting under control with the new and repaired equipment. Bruce Shugarts announced he must cut back activity as maintenance manager for health reasons. Jeff W may have a lead on a snow plow for the tractor.

In mid summer, Nine Mile Camp Inc. received from the NYS Dept of Transportation, Real Estate Division a one year permit for the use of the Nine Mile property at an annual rate of $2,350.00 due September 1, 1991. They required that our liability insurance be increased to $2,000,000.00. An appeal process was unanimously agreed to by the executive committee of the Board at a special meeting at 8:30PM on August 3rd. Past President Don Graf joined with Doug in sending an appeal letter to Senator Daly. Jeff Westcott would contact (State) Legislator Matt Murphy.

After a hearing in Buffalo on September 27th, which Doug, Jeff and Vince attended, we were not sure where we stood.

At our October 12th meeting after reporting on the hearing, it was noted that NYS may possibly be selling or leasing surplus lands, starting with canal lands.

Insurance renewal did not come apparently due to injury of HDC contractor/ employee in May. This was to be a problem for a while.

Our new Ranger candidate was given a manual and agreement for review. New electric service to the trailer cost about $1,350.00.This will be shared with the new ranger.

HDC improvements and other questions were to be asked by letter.

November saw two special meetings and more required paperwork for NYS DOT. Resolution was to take a while longer.

At the annual meeting in December 1991, Tom O’Donnell was added as a Director and Jim McGill was added as a member at large.

HDC’s liability claimant has died. The Ranger agreement to be concluded soon. Old ranger’s affairs still to be settled, 30 day max. Cabin needs hard wired smoke detectors and stair handrails to meet code. The tractor (Green Monster) is surplus and may be sold.

A special meeting was called February 25, 1992 to address delinquent notice for canal payment. Our new Director, attorney Tom O’Donnell advised that the fees per DOT action were not valid as legislature had not acted on same. The Corp. will address all questions asked in a timely manner but will not pay at this juncture.

Requests from Troop 27 to construct to two shelters within the 400 square foot limitation and from Troop 573 to construct a new lean-to to replace the one rotting out from the ground up were approved that spring. By fall Troop 573’s lean-to went up (key families included McGill [foundation], Reynolds [materials], Long and Stevenson [construction] and manpower from Eadie, Sniadecki, Albert, Watengal and.. The old one was totally removed the following spring. Scoutmaster Doug Eadie was felled by a wrench on a rope attempting to remove a dead branch from Big Tree. It unraveled and returned like a boomerang stunning the whole troop that was pulling behind him. He learned the true meaning of the word goose egg with about a 1” welt on the forehead.

At the October 24 general meeting, the minutes of the February special meeting were read and approved. Banking is to our advantage at Lockport Savings. Everything except essential repairs on hold pending resolution of permit matters. Wired smoke detectors will be done by Al Glassman and Bob Reynolds. Main cabin exit door clarification will be sought. HDC future agreement will be discussed at annual meeting in January.

Building inspection in December was expected. Doors need proper hardware for public access.

At the annual meeting on January 19, 1993, insurance was obtained $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million total. Buildings are insured also. Vince reported that the lease is now with the thruway, not terminated. A walkthrough pending with the goal of a downward scale is to be done.

Spring work day to include cabin floor and hanging kitchen cupboards. New registration cards are ready for use.

HDC request for a new agreement must wait until our status and fees are clarified.

Along with routine reelections, there were four new MAL, John Leiker, James Woolson, David Donner and Jeffrey Peresie.

During a cabin campout by Troop 573 in March, CC Bob Reynolds killed the Big Tree (rot was well along) that assaulted Doug the previous fall.

Nine Mile formally heard from the NYS Thruway Authority in May. In August we received the annual bill from the new Canal Corporation. We were told to pay and appeal. We did. More information needed.

Ranger Yoder was to be out by October 1, 1993. His performance conflicted with his other job(s). Ex -volunteers would arrive to find no gas to operate equipment.

Staff coverage would be needed on a rotating basis. The first year, Doug, Jim Woolson, Ken Whitcomb and Al Frappier all did some cabin check in/ check outs. After that Al Frappier was our official meeter and greeter (commissioner) until 1999. He still fills in occasionally when needed.

A pending Eagle project will be to clear the old road for sledding (thus allowing us access to clear branches from power line) and to clear an area for and establish an Archery Range. This project was accomplished by the following August. The road remains passable and the range is still used. In fact that Eagle, Dave Eadie and his brother Doug ran the range for their host Troop 573’s 40th Anniversary Invitational at 9 Mile this spring.

Campsites of those troops present were inspected as were the other sites.

Al Glassman advised that his son might be able to weld the fracture on the bush hog housing and that I should inform Don Jaenecke

September 21st more information was sent to the Canal Corp.

In November Amherst Supervisor Dan Ward sought to have the Island annexed to Amherst. It would die at a December meeting for lack of a second at the town Board meeting.

Al Glassman informed Don Jaenecke that due to declining health he could not accept another year as Secretary. At the annual meeting December 29th AL G. was elected a Director and Jim McGill was elected Secretary.

At the meeting the need for maintained campsites was stressed. Two groups will get provisional renewals based on bringing their campsites into compliance with their agreement.

It was noted that Troop 573 was planning a spring “Camporee” for the Island site holding troops. Al Frappier and Don Jaenecke were presented Certificates of Appreciation for their dedicated maintenance efforts at camp.

At the April 16, 1994 meeting Jeff Foulis and Gary Oakes were accepted as MAL. Jeff W and Doug were hopeful that Erie/Niagara Regional Planning would prove beneficial in the long term, by eventually tying in to a canal length trail. Jeff agreed to work on a publicity folder. It was agreed to raise the cabin fee to $60.00 per weekend. The office roof needs replacing ASAP! Vince Harmon proposed Beaver Day as an annual event open to all site holders to come and help with the opening of camp as well as their own sites. It was agreed that lunch would be provided for those who pre-register.

At the end of the month we offered Todd Yoder $500.00 and a donation letter for the balance of his value in it. We also received a letter from the NYS Canal Corp. rejecting our appeal. It stated that non profit procedures should be in place prior to our next billing period. Beaver day saw a new picture window (from Vince Harmon’s daughter’s house) for the cabin (more light) and a new roof for the office thanks primarily to the labor of John Leiker, Troop 27 with an assist from Bob Reynolds as I recall. Also about this time Mike Frappier finished installing the panic bars on the main cabin doors.

In August 1994 our Canal Corp. lease remained the same amount, no mention of non profit consideration. We again paid under protest.

At our October 1 meeting Paul Westcott was unanimously elected as a Director. Doug proposed a perpetuation trust fund to be built up to maintain the property. The board desired a legal opinion. Our publicity folder is progressing.

Bill Wilson advised no knowledge on our fee status.

In November Eagle Scout candidate Sam Albert, Troop 573 proposed reopening a major portion of the “Towpath Trail” that was somewhat to densely overgrown. Sam planned and brought this project to completion in the fall of 1996 with over 95 man hours spent to clear this enjoyable section of camp trail.

On January 18, 1995 the annual election was routine, the officers were all reelected. It is obvious from the opinion of the Hon Betty Hoffman and Tom O’Donnell that it will take a new administration and a new legislature to “possibly” attain a more favorable status.

The second annual Nine Mile Invitational Campout had 6 troops participating.

At the April 29 meeting, Jared Siezega, grandson of E. K. Catland was elected a member at large. Todd Yoder being unable to sell his trailer is willing to accept $500.00 and a donation letter for the $2,000.00 based on its estimated value of $2,500.00. The treasurer will issue a check upon receipt of affirmation from Tom O’Donnell that all of the other paper work is in order. Troops 451, 501 and 801 have an interest in Troop 82’s now vacant site. Vince donated the display case that is at the end of the Founder’s Lodge. HDC’s agreement was updated as were camp fees in general. Any new Happyland operator should be a MAL. Don Jaenecke procured a new sign (by the road). Road work by Amherst may have an adverse impact on our road approach. We had added 80 tons of stone to improve it. We will leave the snow fence up year round to cut down on camp traffic. Jeff will attempt to have our brochure by the next meeting.

At the August 8, 1995 meeting that the second Saturday of the month from March until November is a work/maintenance morning from 9AM to noon. Short business meetings may be held if necessary. All site holders are to participate in one of these with at least six people to renew their annual agreement. The Polaris “Fall Challenge” Camporee will be held from October 20-22. Campers will start at Miller Park on the 20th and arrive here by about noon on the 21st.

With another annual fee of $2,350.00 paid under protest, Doug contacted Assemblyman Seaman who attempted to resolve some of permit concerns.

Don Jaenecke arranged for a “volunteer” working off community service hours to assist. The main problem was getting the required supervision with most of our staff working regular jobs. Don worked with him clearing debris in the council ring, re-clearing the OA ring area and starting to clear the grease and grime inside the trailer.

In September Brian McGovern started the 9 Miler, our Newsletter as Editor. He noted that the docks were repaired for the soon to be “non-aquatic” Fall Challenge. He also noted Don’s need for help.

The Fall Challenge brought approximately 338 campers from 26 troops to our land of recovery from liquid sunshine. Bill Stockwell was the event chairman. The “mountain man skills” were a big hit.

Don and Al built the trailer back porch and added a roof to the front porch.

December brought a Canal Corp. letter through Dave Seaman about our permit concerns. He desired that our Board discuss it and confer with him.

At our 1996 annual meeting on January 31st we did review the NYS Canal Corp. letter and after discussion we decided on a response course. We fine tuned the letter and sent it on March 10th.

Our election railroad ran and we decided to remind people about our second Saturdays. We have much wind damage and damage to the barn roof. Phil Grefrath was to be asked about family wishes regarding memorial gifts in respect to his Dad.

Troop 575 site status is uncertain.

Don J. has windows, 14 gallons of paint and a bell (50 Lbs) for the camp. He also mentioned that care be taken around raccoons, groundhogs (woodchucks), and red fox. Rabies is a real possibility in animals not responding in a normal manner. Don would soon loose his rodent control partner, Bob R. to a long term job in Florida.

Putting a cupola and school bell on a snow covered shelter roof is tricky. A crew of Al, Don, his son-in-law Greg Vizzi, Phil Grefrath and Doug accomplished this slippery task.

Explorer Post 573 President Jim McGill and his staff led a successful Third Annual Nine Mile Invitational campout with 8 troops participating.

During the course of the spring and summer with various assists from his sons, Dave and Doug, also at times from Phil Grefrath, Al and Don, (and technical consultation with post Advisor John Long) the barn roof was replaced.

The May 11th meeting saw Greg Vizzi, Bill Stockwell and Dave Fiebelkorn added as MAL. Bill and Dave will lead Troop 529 in reopening Site #13.

During the summer Don and Al jacked up the barn corner sag, re-blocked it and inserted the rider mower door. Niagara Gutter donated and installed new gutters on the building.

Again in August our annual Canal fee is the same with no response to our correspondence and inquiries of March 10th. We also now have to pay $75.00 for our annual Health Dept. inspection. Niagara County has dropped fee waivers for non profit organizations. Their only concern was no fluorescent light shields in the food preparation area. We now have them throughout the cabin.

At the August 10 meeting HDC noted that attendance is up and they may have potential new ownership (Rich and Marcia Rosenthal).

Due to “Doug’s curse” (rain when camping) spreading to our second Saturday morning workdays (almost all this year), we need a make up time. Either 4th Saturday or 3rd Wednesday evening - 6:30 ‘til dark - May through August. Clearing is needed along drainage ditches so that they can then be improved.

We will clear the area across the road from the trailer to place another frost free valve. This will be a shut off point to keep water in camp easily (rather than hose from road pit) when severe frost shuts down the meadow line and/or cabin valve. With a pit there we can drain the meadow line if necessary. The trailer can also be independently shut off.

Many sites need work prior to site reviews (Sept 14 and Oct 12).

Pack and Troop 47 re-cleared the Towpath Trail from Sam Albert’s end point trailer side of Troop 63’s green Bldg. to the area behind their site.

Pastor Dave Donner (Director-Tr63-site7) got a member to bring his backhoe and trench for our new pump house. Vince Harmon got Morningstar Concrete to donate the cinder blocks. Al and Doug hauled them along with some others that Phil Grefrath (hurt his back that day) also helped with from a site where Mike Frappier was working. Chris Dubke, MC Troop 573 did the block work with chipping and mixing/ hauling help from the troop and of course, Don and Al. Marty Hall did the plumbing work on November 9th with help from his son, Jamie; Doug and Doug E., and Don and Al. Almost freezing mud was the order of the day. Don had secured lumber for the building from Stix Lumber. He and Al prefabbed the building with little outside assistance until final assembly.

At the January 29, 1997 annual meeting strengthening the staff and three other key projects were discussed. They were improving camp drainage, expanding electric service to pump House #2, a light at the pole at the dip in the road (with a manual shut off). Eagle candidate Jon Westcott requested permission to complete the Towpath Trail from the trailer to the portion completed by Troop 47. All officers were all reelected.

On March 6, 1997 the new Division Canal Engineer, Lawrence J. O’Connor, found our March 10, 1996 letter in his pile of things to do. He asked to meet Doug and tour the Island. This was done on April 24th with Rick Manns, Canal Corp. also present. The new ground rules would require two permits, a map of the Happyland area, a map of all structures in camp, HDC owners names and addresses, a Memorandum of Understanding amongst the three parties (the map and MOU from 9 Mile). Work permits are required for all construction and one will also be required for routine maintenance annually.

Don contacted NMP about redoing our power from the current road to negate the necessity of trimming trees on the old road. The meter was moved, a light installed on that pole, Pump House #2 tied in and new lines were in place during the summer. Later NMP would install our Current main flagpole. Drainage work was continued by Don and Al.

Labor Day would see much help in camp to remove the downed tree from Troop 575’s lean-to. They are not yet sharing the site (Tr dormant). Troop 47 may be interested.

Due to Jim McGill’s work related departure to the Montreal area we needed a new Secretary. At the September 13, 1997 meeting Brian McGovern was elected. Re permit we are working on the MOU. We need to survey the area to determine the percent that HDC uses. Paul Glassman worked on and produced the map of their area that is in use in the present permit.

Jon Westcott’s trail section is now cleared and ready for trekking by one and all.

Eagle candidate, Doug Eadie has trekked (traversed?) the remaining Towpath Trail sections in prelude to drafting his project. Among his discoveries-a set of stone steps from the original Towpath up the berm to the main camp. (Probably to an old farm prior to 1910.)

Our Chief Scrounger, Don J. has new carpeting for the Founder’s Cabin and the trailer, a red rider mower (#2), and a heater, refrigerator, table, chairs and for the trailer.

Prior to the January 21, 1998 annual meeting, Doug was informed that a developer was interested in the property (North Forest Development). The officers and all were reelected as the secretary cast one ballot for the entire slate. The option presented originally by the Canal Corp. was unacceptable to the camp. Sharing (keeping only the base camp area) the property would shrink the “camp” into a park only atmosphere.

By February 7, we had our tree way amended permit including HDC.

At the next meeting held at 9 Mile the option of an alternative site near Albion was put on the table. Not a motivational thought for most involved. “Can’t we all get along?” by Brian Rusk was also irritating to many.

Many meetings followed.

Don talked to Spoths and Amherst neighbors. They also have a problem with their bike path and the North Amherst Fire Hall.

Doug talked to Assemblyman Seaman. He was in camp the next day. He had camped there as a Scout leader (‘91 Lewiston Trail Camporee/ working on Wood Badge when called to the Assembly).

Doug called Senator George Maziarz. He called back the next day and has kept in contact on key developments.

Newspapers picked up the story. Publicity has been good.

Amherst, led by Councilman Bill Kindel and all of the Pendleton officials were seeking acceptable avenues of resolution.

Don contacted DEC, US Corps of Engineers, the Sierra Club and others.

Doug talked to the Sierra Club at one of their meetings.

A meeting on March 25th at the North Amherst Fire Hall drew over 200 people. The Canal Corp. “got the message.”

Nine Mile applied for funding through the NCEF (end of March deadline). It pulled data together for the preservation campaign. John Kudla, Don J., Jeff Westcott and Carol Schmelz (NYS Horse Council/ had grant experience) and Doug worked hard on this to no avail at the time.

Amherst approved funding their share of a possible joint long term lease.

By year’s end Senator Maziarz was committed to finding funds which were then included in the 1999 state budget in the summer.

Early in ‘99 Pendleton (R&D did prep work) applied for NCEF development funds to no avail.

In the spring of ‘99 Ranger Bob Reynolds came on board. A big help to Al who knew the maintenance load to be heavy without Don J who died in Sept ‘98.

Details are currently being negotiated concerning boundaries, access to canal bank etc.