Present: EAC-, Marlou Gregory, Ian Plant, Andrew Kreider ,Earl Cram, Steve Kunz, Jerry O’Dell and Steven Frasch.
Board of Supervisors (BOS): Laurie Williams (BOS Liaison to EAC), Lee Ledbetter, James Morrisson
Citizens Environmental Sub-Committee: Rebekah Bowser
Meeting called to order at 7:35pm.
EAC Reorganization: New members of the EAC were introduced and following the resignation of the previous secretary, Ian Plant was appointed as the EAC secretary.
Minutes of March’08 Meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting were read and, subject to minor amendment, were approved.
Announcements: Rebekah Bowser was thanked for her outstanding work and dedicated service to Schuylkill twp’s EAC. In reply, Rebekah reiterated her intention (March‘08 Minutes) to continue being involved with EAC activities wherever possible.
Public Participation: Nil
New Business:
Rails to Trails Meeting Update – Mr Kreider described in broad terms the content of the latest joint meeting held 21 April with Charlestown twp. The group has been given a presentation by Jake Michael of Chester County Planning Commission which described the work undertaken to date on developing a multi-municipality trail (known as the Patriots Path) from which lessons could be learned for the possible development of the Devault rail line into a trail. He added that a County ‘Greenline Study’ was underway which initially had considered utilization of the line for a commuter rail link to Paoli, but that subsequently the possibility of using the line for a trail had been added, either alongside the commuter rail or in its place, and the outcome from the study could generate a need for more involved Schuylkill twp participation in the future. Mr Kreider believed that a draft Greenline Study report had recently become available, but noted that it had not yet reached the EAC. Mr Ledbetter stated that the Feb’08 meeting of the Regional Planning Group had endorsed that provision of a trail would be supported even if the commuter rail link idea did not go forward. Mr Morrisson suggested that the twp should consider incorporation of a trailhead within its bounds and if possible make plans for its provision. Mrs Gregory directed Mr Plant to contact the Open Space Committee and look at the possibility of provision of suitable space for a trailhead, noting that it is currently only low priority because there is not yet any firm commitment to develop the trail. At this stage, however, it would be useful to earmark any suitable sites that may become available.
Eagle Research/Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Submission – Mrs Williams notified the EAC that local observations have led to a belief that an eagle’s nest is being constructed on the Nolan property off Pawlings Road beside the Meadows development. Mr. Frasch agreed to investigate and, if confirmed, submit a PNDI notification through appropriate channels.
Trash Pick-Up Project – Mr Cram has been investigating avenues for provision of additional resources to assist with twp trash collection, including use of a public works crew. He explained that Rte 29 around Buckwalter Road is in need of considerable attention, whilst Mrs Williams added that several parts of White Horse Road are also litter strewn. In consideration of which authority holds jurisdiction over litter problems on roads within the twp, Mr Ledbetter cautioned that some State ordinances may be applicable for State roads traversing the twp. For other roads, the ‘Adopt-a-Highway’ scheme was suggested as a means of generating assistance, possibly with local companies’ involvement. Mr Cram undertook to investigate further this potential avenue for assistance.
Deer Hunting on Pickering Preserve – Mr Cram informed the EAC that a local resident was concerned that he had observed the construction of deer hunting facilities on Pickering Preserve, close to the YMCA Day Care Centre, that some trees had been damaged presumably to facilitate hunting activities, and that deer entrails had been discarded close to the Preserve parking lot. In following up this report, he had contacted the twp Whitetail Association who had indicated that it may have been illegal hunters and possibly a nearby landowner. Mr Morrisson suggested that a meeting should be held with the concerned resident with a view to formalizing the complaint. Mr Cram agreed to follow-up with the resident. Mrs Gregory expressed concern that hunting does not appear to be compatible with unrestricted recreational use of the Preserve. Mr Morrisson described the hunting procedure used by the Whitetail Association and suggested that it was safe, but noting that there was no signage in relation to hunting around the Preserve, and that there was no effective policing of other hunters who may not observe Whitetail Association procedures, the EAC questioned whether hunting and general public access to the Preserve should be simultaneously allowed. It was agreed that a General Management Plan for the Preserve is required, to include provision for deer culling if necessary. Mr Cram and Mr O’Dell agreed to form a Pickering Preserve Management Sub-Committee to develop a Pickering Preserve Management Plan.
Environmental Committee – Mrs Gregory informed the EAC that a Citizens Environmental Sub-Committee is being formed, to be chaired by Rebekah Bowser. The members of the sub-committee will be twp residents who wish to contribute to resolution of particular environmental issues within the twp, but without being committed to full EAC participation. Mrs Gregory and Mrs Bowser will discuss further the full scope of activities for the sub-committee, whilst it was noted that Dawn Plant has volunteered to assist with creation of a twp Environmental Website, which will be within the remit of the sub-committee. Mrs Bowser will contact Mrs Plant to determine a way forward for this.
Grants – In finalizing her role as the EAC lead for grant application activities, Mrs Bowser has one outstanding follow-up report to compile in relation to trail funding received through the PECO Open Space Program. Once complete, Mrs Bowser will forward this to the twp manager. Mr Kreider undertook to assume the EAC lead for seeking new grant opportunities. It was noted that a treevitalize grant application is not planned from the twp this year. Mrs Williams suggested that more twp HOAs should be encouraged to make use of Treevitalize opportunities. Mrs Bowser undertook to disseminate relevant information to homeowners associations, whilst Mr O’Dell undertook to investigate whether any other opportunities exist that would warrant applying for a new grant within the twp. Following general discussion about how grant opportunity and other EAC information (eg the twp yard clean-up day: 24 May) could be disseminated to twp residents, including the use of the intended EAC Website, opt-in e-mails and a Quarterly e-mail newsletter, Mrs Gregory undertook to determine a way forward with the twp Manager. It was noted that the BOS is looking for opportunity to test ideas for an “opt in” e-mail outreach program, and that the EAC desires may provide that opportunity.
Open Space Commission Update:
Thompson Property – Mr Ledbetter advised the EAC on the outcome of a recent Charlestown twp referendum and that there would be resultant ongoing joint Schuylkill/Charlestown activities in relation to the Thompson property development proposals.
Old Business:
Brake Ordinance – Mr Cram was unsure of the status of progression of this item as the twp Chief of Police had not responded to requests for information. Mr Cram undertook to continue seeking a response from the Chief of Police.
Pickering Preserve – Mr O’Dell has volunteered to store the banner frame for future use whenever required. Mr Kreider provided update that Beth Corcoran (a local Girl Scout) has almost finished the nature trail signs she has been developing and soon be laminating and posting them around the preserve. Mr Kreider will obtain drafts of the signs and forward them to Mrs Bowser for review. It was also noted that a group of local cub scouts will be visiting the wetlands area of the preserve on 30 Apr under their ‘Go See It’ program.
Treevitalize – Mrs Bowser advised the EAC that all planned trees have planted and 28 bags of trash were collected and disposed of during the planting program.
Clean Energy – Mr Kreider provided update that 30 sign-ups are still needed to achieve the goal of 7% of twp residents. He noted that the deadline for achieving the goal occurs in Oct’08. Mrs Williams suggested several advertising opportunities for Mr Kreider to follow-up on.
Environmental Overlay Ordinance – to be addressed at the May’08 meeting.
Developments:
Dr Piskai – Mr O’Dell has reviewed the proposed planting list and noted that some of the ornamental vegetation is not native. He suggested that alternative native species exist. Following provision of the details of the alternatives, Mr Kunz will write to Dr Piskai to inform him of the EAC alternative proposals.
Brackman Property – From the floor, Paul Tashjin provided his observations from the Zoning Hearing Board. Mrs Gregory advised that she has recently seen a letter from over 2 years ago that indicated that the Wetlands on the property should be surveyed and delineated by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE). She noted that the EAC has still not seen copies of the ACE report, nor of any revised plans that the EAC had previously been advised had been produced, both of which may affect the EAC position that had been articulated in a letter in Sep’07. Mr Ledbetter suggested that the EAC should check whether any revised plans are held by the twp Engineer, and if so, check them to determine whether the EAC position described in the letter of Sep’07 remains valid. Mr Kunz agreed to investigate whether the twp Engineer holds revised plans, and also to discover whether any ACE survey has been undertaken. EAC concluded that if new plans have been submitted, or if the wetlands delineation uncovers new environmental issues, the EAC should reevaluate their recommendations for the Brackman Property.
Pasquale Pond – Mr Ledbetter indicated that the BOS is awaiting EAC guidance in relation to the vegetation proposed for the pond site. The planting plans have just been received by the EAC. Mr O’Dell undertook to conduct a vegetative review of the plans to check for compatibility with the aim of creating a ‘woody wetland’. Mrs Gregory will conduct an overall review and inform the BOS of any issues arising from the review.
Reeves Property – Mrs Gregory advised the EAC that a lengthy letter detailing the twp Engineer’s review of the latest proposals for development of the property had been received, within which several points needed EAC attention. Additionally, she indicated that Mr Morrisson had forwarded a list of points for consideration and she also suggested that there may be other environmental related issues that need to be discussed although they had not specifically been refered to the EAC by the Engineer. Mr Ledbetter indicated that the BOS will soon need to understand what issues they need to consider from an EAC perspective. From the floor, some residents whose properties are adjacent to the proposed access road raised a number of issues of concern to them, indicating that they felt that the EAC was the only forum through which their concerns could be adequately aired.
Mr Plant questioned whether the developer’s plans cater adequately for provision of trails through the property, in conformance with the twp goals for trails that are articulated in the extant Open Space, Recreation, and Environmental Resources Plan. He noted that the land being developed encompasses part of a proposed link between eastern and western sections of the target trail network for the twp, and that lack of this link would risk isolating the two parts of the twp trail network once other parts have been fully developed. The EAC considered that inadequate allowance had been made for the provision of trails within the development plans, and agreed to recommend incorporation of trail facilities in its report to the BOS.
Mr Kunz informed the EAC that there is ongoing debate regarding the validity of the permits that have so far been issued, particularly in relation to the proposed wetland crossing. He is awaiting a response from DEP to provide clarification on whether the wetlands are classified as EV, noting that disturbance of EV wetlands requires an individual permit and cannot be undertaken under a general permit. Mr Kunz will provide an update when he has received a response from DEP.
Mrs Gregory expressed concern that the plans do not appear to cater for preservation of biological corridors, particularly in relation to hedgerows, and also that trees and topsoil are planned to be removed in a flood hazard district, which is believed to violate twp ordinances. The EAC will consider these aspects in preparation of its report to the BOS.
The list of points presented by Mr Morrisson was noted for consideration during preparation of the EAC recommendations to the BOS. The EAC also considered that the twp Engineer’s letter identifies that to date, the developer has provided insufficient information to enable the EAC to make complete recommendations within the scope of its purview. The developer will be required to provide complete information before the EAC’s recommendations can be finalized.
Meeting Adjourned at 0018am