NMMBA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Date and location: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 @ 6:30pm
TC Mill Works 2351 Aero-Park Ct, Traverse City MI 49686
Board present: Mike Walters, Margarete Wanley, Chuck Hathaway,
Heath Day, Brian Pugh, Alex Primeau, Chad Jordan, Kim White, Tom
White, John Roe (staff)
Board absent: Steve Mentzer, Tim Reicha
Guests: Todd Wanley, Trevor Schmitz
Mission statement —---> It is our mission to Envision, Build and Protect the
mountain bike experience while respecting all forest users and uses.
Mike called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
The August minutes approved online.
Merchandise Update: Chad updated the group on various products
including orange hats for NMMBA volunteers and Samurai Squirrel tee
shirts that will be available through the Daylight store. The TCTF shirt
design is currently underway; these shirts will be available at the event as
well as online. Black NMMBA hats will also be available. Kim White made
a motion to approve a $2,500 budget for Chad to proceed with ordering the
TCTF shirts. Heath Day seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The Board also discussed having shirts available for future Ambassador
Days.
Financials: Kim presented the August financials to the Board. The
general fund stood at $25,504.52 as of August 31, 2026. Kim led a
discussion regarding the donations received for the Commons Bike ParkProject from the event held at Logan’s Landing on August 15, 2026. Up to
$27,000 in donations will be matched by MEDC.
Operations Admin. Updates: John Roe brought the Board up to date on
progress over the last month including member renewals and new
members, bringing the total active members to 302. Also discussed were
grooming badge quotes, social media activity and an update on social
media views. The monthly newsletter was published on September 9.
Traverse City Trails Fest is less than three weeks away; we have 198
registered participants which is an increase of 15 over this time last year.
John updated attendees on the status of race preparation and the need for
volunteers. We are still seeking volunteers who can provide medical
assistance during the event.
Grants: John discussed the MTGA Catalyst Grant opportunity with the
Board and based on the grant requirements this application will be
submitted for the WASA area project
Chapter Updates:
TCTN:
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2026 Iceman course reroutes have been approved by the DNR. This
route moves one step closer to a permanent route that can be
proposed as a NMMBA trail. The route will use one small section of
the current NMMBA trail.
Greilick Park hosted TC Business News Recess which Tom White
attended. The camp will be the permanent home to the Birds of Prey
rescue (North Sky Raptors) which will be another great “anchor” to
draw interest to the park. Grand Traverse County is very interested
in the completion of the connector that will connect Greilick Park to
the VST network.
On September 10 at 9:00 a.m. there will be a trail review for the
connector which passes through the City property that is connected●
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to Greilick Park. The Boardman River and Muncie Lake connector
must be opened by September 30, 2026.
Brian Pugh indicated that investigation for a lighting system for the
VST Supply Road pavilion is ongoing. Direct solar has been ruled out
and alternatives include an energy storage system such as a battery
pack and external plug in energy source. The Board discussed other
approaches including solar lighting for the restroom/changing area
and a power bank for the pavilion. Mario Kennedy will review some
options in the next week; these options will be shared with the Cherry
Capital Cycling Club to determine if the $5,000 grant will be used for
this project. Another option for these grant dollars would be the
remaining hardscape elements (i.e. large boulders) to complete the
VST Tree project.
There was no new update for the VST Wayfinding project and spring
2027 is targeted to begin sign installation. Brian Pugh will conduct a
comprehensive quoting process over the winter for purchasing the
signage/kiosks/posts/etc.
The WASA “trail development proposal” work group had their first
meeting at Lake Ann Brewing on September 1. Brian shared that ten
enthusiastic people attended the meeting which had a lot of
productive discussion. A sub-group is being formed to work on the
details for the trail map which will be submitted to the DNR. The
board agreed that someone from the equestrian community should
be part of this work group.
Cadillac: No update
Bike Leelanau: No update
Glacial: No update
Maintenance Barn:
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The overhead garage and entry doors have been installed along with
the interior side wall and ceiling steel panels. Blown in ceilinginsulation will be completed soon and the septic system is scheduled
to be installed in the next two weeks. Duane and Brian will start
framing the tool crib partition wall as well as the office, bathroom and
locker room on Monday/Tuesday September 14 and 15. One or two
additional volunteers are needed for this effort.
Vasa Bike Park: No update
Traverse City Trails Fest:
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Volunteer spots are open and need to be filled. Heath Day had the
schedule on hand and discussed specific needs. Heath talked
specifically about volunteer schedules, seeking student and other
groups involvement. Heath also noted that Norte Staff were meeting
Thursday September 10 for trail work day at Timber Ridge on
September 10 (9:00 am - 12:30 pm).
Brian Pugh noted that we are still waiting for the MLCC permit. Kim
White indicated that approval consistently happens in the days
immediately leading up to an event. Brian is also still working with the
food truck vendors to confirm they have completed the fire
inspections.
Winter Trails: No update
Shop/Community Rides:
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The MNCR remains popular; most recently there were approximately
50 riders which were split into 6 different groups.
The Board discussed a suggestion for a daytime ride to
accommodate retired cyclists as well as leaving the ride time at 6:30
pm so that bike shop staff could participate as well.
LMB/MMBA:John talked about the LMB/MMBA MI Outdoor Summit which will be held
on October 1 through October 3 at Timber Ridge. Group rides will be
Saturday October 3 beginning at 8:00 am.
Commons Bike Park: No update
Hickory Hills: No update
Old Business:
The Board discussed a newsletter posting for a new treasurer as well as
the option of having an outside company hired to do the bulk of the
accounting while finding a new Board member to take over the treasurer
role to present the financials to the Board, etc. Margarete Wanley will
draft the posting for discussion with the Board.
New Business: No new business
The Next Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at
6:30pm at TC Mill Works 2351 Aero-Park Ct, Traverse City MI 49686.
This meeting is open to the public.
With that the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Submitted by
Margarete Wanley, Secretary