Minutes from 11/12/09 Meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Trails Committee

 

Submitted by William Haaf

 

 

1.         Meeting Opened -- Meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.  In attendance: Tom Bierl, Chris Conaway, Zeke Hubbard, Ricki Stumpo.

 

2.         Announcements   -- none.

 

3.         Public Comments – Juan Restrepo represents Riverside homeowners who are interested in the trail system.  He wanted to understand the issues associated with the proposed trail along the river and the equestrian trail on the west side of the development.  The equestrian trail was done by Toll Brothers and is for horses only.  The Riverside HOA will need to vote per their bylaws if they wish to modify this definition of trail use.  The River front trail is on Pocopson Township property. Riverside HOA will need an easement from the railroad to allow easy access to this proposed trail.  It was suggested and Juan agreed that it would be best if some from the Riverside HOA joined the PRT to help manage the process of trail development and access. Juan agreed and will supply some names.

 

4.         Old Business

            a.         The minutes from the October meeting were approved and will be forwarded for posting on the website.

           

5.         New Business

 

a.   Trail options for Elser Property – Hubbard, Bierl and Conaway walked this property and noted a minor modification from the trail feasibility study work.  Bierl and Hubbard will make the necessary change in the study information.

 

b.   Eagle Scout Projects - A letter from Gary Summers was reviewed and he will be invited to the next meeting of the PRT to discuss numerous suggestions. 

 

c.   2010 Budget --Don Lane from Public Works reviewed the line item needs for equipment and maintenance items in order to better maintain the parks and trails. PRT provided suggestions and had questions for clarification. There was a lengthy discussion on how to make the maintenance of the trails easier and about the need to work on wash outs from heavy rains. Don will include in his budget the installation of the new trail around the prison, which is estimated at $15,000. The PRT recommended that a new swing set be installed near the tot lot to make it easier on parents. Don will include this in his budget needs.  Discussion of the increasing demands and expenses from the growing trail systems, parks and the Barnard House followed. 

 

6.         Sub-Committee Reports

 

a.         Trails – Tom Bierl will prepare a proposal for the Board of Supervisors re the master Trails Feasibility plan, focusing on the funds needed in 2010 and 2011 in order to install two bridges and obtain County matching funds.

                       

            b.         Stream Team – Nothing to report.

 

           c.         Founders Day – PRT expressed concern about lack of volunteers, which could put next year’s Founders Day at risk.  Zeke, Ricki and Sandy will meet to discuss and develop a presentation to the BOS.

            d.         CleanWays – Nothing to report.

 

7.         Meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.