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Page 78 July 9, 2026 that there are safety measures that need to be put in place and is concerned for her family’s safety. She also added that she has had people trespass onto her property from the trail on more than one occasion. Supervisor Drozd advised that this would be a law enforcement issue, to which Ms. Oesterle questioned if it should be handled by a private security company, which the ECRT should the trail should fund. Springville resident, Devin Kowalski, spoke in support of ECRT stating that the grant that they are applying for is money that is already out there an available and should be brought to our town as there is no cost to the tax payers. Sarah Rodrigues, also a resident of Concord, spoke in support of ECRT as she uses the trail very regularly. She felt that the grant would be a good as the surface of the trail would be much easier for individuals to traverse. Resurfacing it would also open the trail to more people with mobility issues or families with small children. She does not feel that there are safety concerns and believes that most people who use the trails respect the surrounding homeowner’s properties. Town of Concord resident, Mary Carol Dearing, who is the Friend’s Group leader for the Springville-Concord Friends of the rail trail. She advised that she is in full support of the ECRT and apologized the resident Oesterle for any issues that she has faced and invited her to reach out to the ECRT Board with her concerns. She advised that the current surface of the trail is limiting for some individuals as it is very rough and uneven. Therefore, resurfacing it would be a massive improvement. They are also looking to extend the trail from Kissing Bridge to Sprague Brook Park, which would allow mountain bikers who utilize the trail to have safer travel between the two areas. It would also be safer for kids that are travelling between the areas. She also advised that studies have shown that increased use of the trails lessens potential issues and wrong doing as it increases visibility to the area. Kara Kane, although not a resident of Concord, but a tax payer, strongly urged the Board to approve this grant opportunity as it is about preserving the existing infrastructure. The trail is community driven and an asset to so many. East Concord resident Oesterle readdressed the Board advising that in West Valley there was just a petition submitted against the ECRT expansion and referred to like information and opinions that have been posted to social media. Ms. Dearing advised that she is aware of the petition and the information on social media and advised that it is not the same trail; it is the Southern Tier Trail, which is managed by Go Bike Buffalo and has nothing to do with the ECRT. In regards to the safety concerns that Ms. Oesterle again mentioned, Supervisor Drozd stressed to all that were attending that the Town of Concord doesn’t have anything to do with that, nor do they have the authority to address any concerns. The rail is owned by the Federal Government who are in a long-term lease with ECRT. The town also does not have the authority to demand SEQR be completed and permits filed for projected projects as there is a distinct separation between Federal, State, and Local governments. Ms. Oesterle was again referred to the ECRT board to address her concerns. Supervisor advised that he also received several phone calls in support of ECRT. 4. Highway Department a) Hwy Supt Heim went over his report for June 2026. b) Supt Heim added that the new sign for the Town Park has been picked and is at the shop as well as the tractor for the town buildings, which will be brought down next week. Motion by Council Member Drake, seconded by Council Member Zittel, to receive and file the Highway Department Report. 5 ayes, 0 nays. Carried. 5. Old Business