Present: EAC- Stephen Kunz, Rebekah Bowser, Marlou Gregory, Andrew Kreider and Earl Cram.
Board of Supervisors (BOS): Lee Ledbetter and Jim Morrisson; Absent: Jeff Amerine and Laurie Williams
Meeting called to order at 7:35pm, minutes were read and approved.
Announcements: none
Public Participation: none
New Business:
EAC Interviews - Interviews were conducted with three candidates: Stephen Frasch, Ian Plant and Jerry O’Dell. EAC Chair, Mrs. Gregory, discussed forming EAC committees to help capture the talent offered in the five candidates for the two available EAC seats. All were in favor with Mr. Ledbetter stating the ordinance establishing the EAC accommodates only the appointed seats and any committees formed would be at the discretion of the EAC. The two remaining candidates will be interviewed at an upcoming EAC meeting.
Open Space Commission Update: none
Land Developments:
Brackman Subdivision- In a letter dated February 13th, 2008 the EAC asked the applicant to return and review the current status of the project because 1) certain proposed revisions discussed during the EAC’s August 2007 meeting had not been formally made yet, and 2) several neighbors since voiced several concerns at BOS and Planning Commission meetings. Attny. J. Kenneth Butera, Esq. and Mrs. Brackman discussed the location of the driveway in relation to neighboring properties, tree removal, and the lack of an Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination (Corps JD) of the wetlands delineation. Mr. Butera and Mrs. Brackman stated that the EAC had given them approval to not submit for a Corps JD via a letter dated Sept. 18, 2007. Mr. Kunz replied that in light of the slow pace of the project’s progress, it would be appropriate to at least begin the Corps JD process now, with the hope that it might be completed before final approval of the project by the Township. Mr. Butera agreed to submit for a Corps JD and provide the EAC a revised set of project plans. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tashjan and Mr. Jason Beecher spoke of the negative effects of this subdivision on their quality of life. They pointed out the increased impervious coverage of the proposed driveway, the removal of several large trees along Country Club Rd. and the increase in stormwater to the development. They also mentioned there would be light, noise and sight pollution due to the location of the driveway. Mrs. Brackman stated that the Tashjan’s had created their own stormwater problems by removing the understory of the woodlands between the properties, planting sod and installing a large berm.
1096 W. Bridge St. - This property is a redevelopment for a dentist office. Mr. John Diemer of Wilkinson Associates presented plans for a new building. The plans have been presented to the BOS for a demolition permit of the existing building, which was approved, and to the Planning Commission. There would be 1000sq ft of new impervious coverage, underground detention basins and screening with new plantings of native species. Mr. Kunz will write an EAC letter recommending BOS approval.
Reeves Property - Mr. Todd Pohlig updated the EAC on progress with the planned development. The plans have been revised to show a decrease in proposed lots from 56 to 51. Mr. Pohlig said Pohlig Builders had received all environmental clearance letters from state entities, including the Bog turtle, Red Bellied turtle, Bald Eagle and wetlands. In order to comply with Bald Eagle habitat requirements, the forested area to be retained along the Pickering Reservoir has been increased by five acres. The woodlands along the water’s edge will be protected by deed restriction with signs installed to prevent lot owners from removing Bald Eagle habitat. The plans also include an area of 1.5 acres reforestation. The planting schedule for the reforestation includes a mix of trees and understory plants prepared by landscape architects Glackin Thomas Panzack, Inc. Mr. Pohlig also discussed the stormwater outfall that Aqua PA requested. Instead of the formerly planned level spreader at the top of the slope, Pohlig will now install a riprap channel to discharge toward the Pickering Reservoir near the water’s edge. Mrs. Gregory asked about the removal of several very large trees to which Mr. Pohlig replied they needed to be removed where the stormwater facilities were located. The issue of screening for neighboring properties brought Mr. Pohlig to comment that he is planting trees to screen the Kovalovich property. He stated screening along Wells Rd. is a challenge due to the waterline easement. The Zoning Hearing Board where the applicant will continue the case for relief from zoning ordinances prohibiting the planned stream crossing is continued on March 10th. Mr. Morrisson questioned the grading around trees near the crossing and a drain in the bridge crossing that appeared to channel 1/3 acre of impervious area stormwater into the stream. Mr. Ledbetter charged the EAC with monitoring the development for compliance with Bald Eagle habitat restrictions. Mr. Pohlig stated that the guidelines stated by the US Fish and Wildlife Commission allow for construction any time of year. The only restrictions are on site work during the nesting period including grading and major tree removal. Mrs. Gregory will schedule with Pohlig through the Schuylkill Twp. Manager another EAC walk with Pohlig to view tree protection.
Old Business:
Natural Resources Protection Overlay - Discussion will be in March or April so that Gilmore & Associates can review our collective changes and incorporate them into a revised version of the draft Ordinance. Mrs. Bowser will provide comments in regard to woodland protection to Mr. Kunz.
Pickering Creek proposed upgrade to Exceptional Value - Mr. Kunz noted that the GP-7 for the proposed road crossing of the stream in the Reeves property subdivision plans by Pohlig Builders, and the GP-5 for the proposed utilities’ installation across the same stream, would not be allowed if the stream were classified as Exceptional Value (EV); but since those general permits already have been registered, it is unclear if the DEP would revoke them (and require an Individual Permit instead) if the stream is officially upgraded before final Township approval is given. Aqua Pa’s VP of Water Resources, Preston Luitweiler, wrote an email noting that the Pickering Reservoir is one of three sources of drinking water for the Pickering West water treatment plant. Mr. Morrisson questioned the value of obtaining water sample results from multiple sources to increase the research validity. Mrs. Bowser noted the fifth grade gifted class at Schuylkill Elementary School will be testing the Pickering Creek. Mr. Ledbetter requested that the township engineer be made aware of this, so that Gilmore’s services could be offered to the class pro bono.
Engine Brake Ordinance - Mr. Cram gave the draft to the Township Manager for formatting and evaluation by the Township Solicitor. Mr. Cram will meet with the Police Chief to discuss logistics of signage.
Pickering Preserve- Mr. Cram noted that the Amateur Stargazers Club has been using the preserve for planetary gazing and requested that the Township enforce the lighting ordinance to prevent illumination drift from the YMCA. Mrs. Bowser mentioned the need to finish the rain garden with plantings and the muddy look of the gravel. Girl Scout Beth Corcoran continues to work on her project for the Preserve.
Treevitalize - The proposed planting along the Pickering Glen trail was discussed in regard to the historical protection of the scenic view looking south along SR 29 and Pothouse Rd. The EAC unanimously agreed to continue with the plan to plant the Treevitalize trees there contingent upon Twp. Solicitor approval at the March BOS meeting.
Should the area be viewed as too litigious due to the two pending lawsuits, the planting site would be moved to alongside the proposed YMCA/PASD trail in Pickering Preserve. Mrs. Bowser discussed her plan to engage township residents in helping to plant the Treevitalize trees by launching a campaign titled “Schuylkill Township: A Month of Trees/Great PA Cleanup.” This would serve as the Township’s Earth Day recognition. Every Sunday from 1-3pm March 30 to April 27, a township representative would be at the Pickering Preserve to assist groups or individuals to plant trees, pick up litter or tour the preserve. Free gloves, bags and vests are supplied through PennDot’s partnership with the “Great PA CleanUP” initiative. Marketing and township participation were discussed. The plan will be presented to the BOS at their March 5th meeting.
Trails- Mr. Cram and Supervisor Mrs. Cohen have met with the Twp. Engineer to discuss the feasibility of connecting the Pickering Glen trail via the Pickering Preserve to the Horseshoe Trail.
Clean Energy Campaign- Mr. Kreider noted that at least 30 more sign ups are needed. Mr. Cram and the three EAC candidates were given sign up forms. Mr. Kreider contacted the Schuylkill School and Home Association (SSHA) to develop a partnership for signup rebates from PECO.
Rails To Trails- Mr. Kreider gave an update on the Rails to Trails initiative lead by Charlestown Twp. Open Space Manager, Aliena Gerhard, Esq. In response to the Phoenixville CDC’s commuter rail effort, the group sent a letter to the Chester County Planning Commission in support of a cooperative rail AND trail effort. Meetings will be held at the Charlestown Twp. Building every 3rd Monday at 7pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:45pm