LOOP COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE

APRIL 27, 2005

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY COURTHOUSE

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Graybill at 6:10 PM. The following members were in attendance:

Kathy Denzer         Frank Young

Peter Gores        Rod Wolthoff            

Peggy Stokstad        Lee Behrens

Joseph Bell        Joan Drury

Public Comment

Jim Poston opened by asking approximately a dozen questions he wanted answers to and     demanding each be answered with a "yes or no"response and he be allowed follow up questions as he felt was warranted. Mr. Poston asked the questions without waiting for answers. Mr. Wolthoff expressed his opinion that it was not appropriate for persons to ask questions requiring specific numbers and research to be asked without advance notice and that Mr. Poston was not running the meeting and should not demand anything. Mr. Wolthoff also noted he had no problem with the questions being asked, just in the manner they were asked. Mr. Poston stated some answers would be acceptable if "in the ballpark." Mr. Behrens stated that he felt answering questions with "ballpark" answers would be used against the persons or organizations answering in that way. Mr. Poston agreed to submit questions at least three days in advance or not ask the questions. For ease of readability Mr. Poston's questions are listed below with answers.

1.   Are parts being ordered or made in China for #97? Some are but most are being cast by Uhrich Locomotive Works.

2.   How many persons are working on #9 at Uhrich's? Ten

3.   Status of #9? Work is proceeding on schedule.

4.   When will it be delivered? Delivery to Loop Railroad still slated for July.

5.   When will #74 come online? Scheduled for 2006.

6.   When will #111 come online? Scheduled for 2007.

7.   Are there still plans for #60 to be used on the Loop Railroad and can it be restored?  Yes and yes.

8.   What is your opinion of proposed railroad agreement between Georgetown and Silver Plume? Think it is positive.

9.   Who owns #12? CHS

10. Have the railroad cars been inspected for safety? Three have so far, others will be as they arrive and before they come online for service.

11. How much money has been spent by CHS? No answer, did not have exact number.

12. Is #12's boiler registered with National Board? Yes

13. Does Uhrich and Braun have proper stamps for boiler work and repairs? Do not know. Work will be done in accordance with all applicable rules and laws.

Review Status of Start Up

Kathleen Denzer, marketing manager for Railstar, provided the committee with an update on promotion efforts. A new Web site is under development; Ms. Denzer passed around examples of some of the pages that will be included. A new Georgetown Loop Railroad logo is also being developed. Ms. Denzer listed approximately fifteen different publications or venues where the railroad is scheduled to appear. Although not exhaustive, a few are listed below.

1.  AAA

2.  Denver Metro Visitors Bureau

3.  Encompass Magazine

4.  Desperate Merchant's Association

5.  Colorado Historical Society

6. "Summer Escapes" in ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

7.  Golden's summer guide

8.  Sponsorship with RMN for the entire summer

9.  Rack cards to be distributed along 1-70 corridor. Welcome Centers, DIA, Summit County, Georgetown Gateway Center, and other venues.

10. Flyers with special promotions including free child's admissions accompanied by an adult to schoolchildren in Clear Creek and Jeffco.

A number of special events are being designed as well. A media photo-op event is planned prior to opening day, and programs for under-served markets, such as Big Brothers, are under development. An event involving representatives from the tourism industry in Denver will be invited to a Tourism Day event in June. Ms. Denzer advised that she is establishing memberships with tourism organizations and is sitting on the State's Tourism Committee.

A VIP pre-opening day event is scheduled for May 26; invitees include members of the Legislature, the Governor, and other government officials and partners. May 28 is the official opening.

Ron Ruhoff asked if the rack cards will have a picture of #12 on it. Railstar and CHS hope to have up to date photos of current equipment on rack cards. #12 will be hydro tested next week.

The ticket reservation system will be tested next week. While merchants are eager to have a ticket office in town, a number of logistical issues need to be worked out prior to that happening. Discussion is ongoing. It was noted gross retail sales have declined in Silver Plume during the past two quarters. There was also some discussion of shuttle bus systems to serve the towns and railroad.

Peter Gores reported that he is working with the Society on a number of safety issues. Railstar has contracted with a specialist in railroad-related safety to develop the Georgetown Loop emergency operations plan. New first aid kits are ordered for all Georgetown facilities, and defibrillators will be stationed at the mine, gift shops, and on the train. Alarms and cameras have been installed as well.

Railstar is participating in a job fair on May 14 at which they will be accepting resumes for a variety of positions.

Rolling Stock Update

Peter Gores reported that #12's boiler is certified and that the paperwork is on file. The state boiler inspector will be onsite next week to perform an inspection. Two cars have been delivered; two more will be delivered next week and work on two more is in progress. A few items need to be added to the cars, such as the PA system, prior to opening day. Railstar will take Diesel #21 and a couple cars out for a test drive on the track.

Five people are currently working in the mechanical shop, and Mr. Gores advised that it has been a challenge to get the shop functioning with all the necessary tools and equipment.

For opening day, the following rolling stock is projected to be operational:

#12

Six passenger cars

#21, available as backup

Four additional cars, onsite to be cycled through the fleet

#9 is expected to be delivered in July. The Society advised that Uhrich Locomotive Works in Strasburg reports that the discovery phase of #9's renovation is concluded and that they will now be reassembling it.

Mr. Gores also reported that a structural engineer examined the bridge and track, and reported that the bridges and foundations are in great condition. The track will need attention.

Project Update

A new diesel tank and small gasoline tank are being installed at Silver Plume; a fence will then enclose the tank area. New roofs are being installed on the restroom and depot buildings. Fire line repairs are being completed and the car shelter fire suppression system is being installed. Regarding environmental issues, the Society advised that clean up is scheduled for the area around the engine house; soil will be removed and fresh fill brought in prior to opening day. Work at the Lebanon Mine progresses as well. The timber replacement should be completed by the end of next week. The Society developed a plan to reconfigure the Morrison Center, maintaining some of the theater space and incorporating an area for a gift shop. The store subcontractor is scheduled to begin merchandising in the coming week or so. Work on planning for the greenway will commence shortly. Sign upgrades on 1-70 as well in Silver Plume and Georgetown are in the works. Joan Drury complimented Railstar and CHS on what they have accomplished in a short amount of time. Mr. Behrens thanked her saying it was nice to hear something positive being said rather than the usual negative comments. The next meeting of the group will be June 15 at the Idaho Springs Visitor Center. Mr. Bell will update the committee via email prior to that.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lee Behrens