Minutes from 5/14/09 Meeting of the Parks, Recreation & Trails Committee

Submitted by Lawrie Bolger, Recording Secretary

1. Meeting Opened -- Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. In attendance: Tom Bierl, Lawrie Bolger, Bill Haaf, Zeke Hubbard, Ricki Stumpo.

2. Announcements -- None.

3. Public Comments – None.

4. Old Business

a. April Meeting Minutes were approved and will be sent to Peggy Lennon to be posted on the website.

b. Communications Options – the need for a township email distribution service was discussed and it was agreed that the PRT Committee would greatly benefit from this communications venue to sign up new committee members, support Stream Team and CleanWays efforts, as well as better publicize Founder’s Day. PRT will endorse the idea and submit a letter requesting that the Board take it under consideration in conjunction with the website redesign.

c. The subject of naming the county transfer land was again raised and it was decided to recommend “Roaring Waters Preserve” in keeping with its status as open space; the name distinguishes the open space from Pocopson Park for emergency services.

5. New Business

a. Park Concerts / Fireworks – the idea to expand park offerings to summer concerts, special events, fireworks was discussed and committee agreed that music and other events would be good additions. It was agreed to take up the idea of fireworks with the BOS.

b. New Member Recruitment – the proposal to include new members, who cannot attend every meeting, was discussed. It was agreed that they would be classified as non-voting members and would receive all committee minutes for review and input.

6. Sub-Committee Reports

a. Trails – Becker Property Subdivision – in keeping with the trails feasibility study, the committee decided that no trail be recommended, as there is an existing trail on the other side of the road.

i. Lenape Loop – Tom Bierl reported that we have closed with the county on the Lenape Loop and access has been granted along Wawaset Road. It was agreed that a letter to the BOS be submitted requesting closure on what we believe to be the agreement for the trail on Wawaset Farm Lane subdivision to connect to county property.

ii. Trails Feasibilty Study – Tom reported that he met with Bob Flinchbaugh regarding closure on the trails map and closing on the workbook to cost trail structure.

iii. Overlook Circle Bridge – It was reported that the site of the planned bridge has been moved based on a discussion with DEP, as consequence necessitates a hydrology study. As there are no funds to conduct another study, it will not be pursued at this time. The subject will be addressed at the next Board meeting.

b. Stream Team – Bill Haaf reported that the planting date at Red Bridge has been moved to 5/30 @ 9:00 a.m.

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c. Founder’s Day – Ricki Stumpo reported that Sponsorship Letters have been mailed out. Activities for the day include a petting zoo and hayride. Means of advertising were discussed and the idea of borrowing the inflatables from Brandywine Picnic Park was discussed.

d. CleanWays – Lawrie Bolger reported that the Second Annual Pocopson Community Earth Day Clean Up was a success; over ½ ton of litter and debris was cleared from roadsides.

7. Meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.