SYRACUSE — Breaking the monotony, Syracuse Park Foundation met at noon Thursday, Dec. 20, rather than the next scheduled meeting, which would’ve fallen on Christmas Day.

Dr. Tom Edington commented the trails committee had discussed and studied two bids the Conklin Bay project had received. They brainstormed of ways to cut or modify some things in order to bring the amounts down.

The next month will be spent observing suggestions of cost cuts and looking into other sources, such as the governor’s initiative to spend $9 million on trails in the state. A decision will be made on the bids around March.

The foundation moved on to discuss Syracuse-Wawasee Trails Executive Director Megan McClellan’s contract. Edington reported she will have a 2 percent increase, which should go into effect Jan. 1. The foundation approved of the salary increase with all in favor.

“Megan’s done a great job. When we thought of raising $1 million and she’s raised $1.2 million for the Conklin Bay project,” commented Edington.

Erick Leffler added, “Her return is 8-to-1. She brings $8 for every $1 she costs us. It’s expensive to pay, but I don’t think we can afford not to.”

“Four-to-1 is good in the fundraising world,” Edington agreed. “She’s doubled that. If the trails was an all volunteer board still, we wouldn’t be doing the Conklin Bay project. It needs somebody to shepherd it through.”

Park foundation’s next meeting has yet to be determined, though in the past it has been held at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. For information about the next meeting, contact the community center at (574) 457-3440.