Minutes from 3/12/09 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, Chris Conaway, Bill Haaf, Zeke Hubbard, Ricki Stumpo.

2. Announcements -- Ricki Stumpo reported that Pennsbury Land Trust’s Annual meeting will feature guest speaker, Jake Michael, Environmental / Open Space Planner – Chester County Planning Commission. The subject of his talk will be “Preserving open space and greenway corridors, planning trails and paths for recreation: walking, hiking and bikeways.” Meeting to be held at the Pennsbury Township Building, March 19 @ 7:30 p.m.

3. Public Comments – There were no public comments.

4. Old Business

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

b. Website Updates – Bill Haaf and Ricki Stumpo made recommendations to update the PRT section of the website and the following was discussed:

i. Pocopson Township Comprehensive Plan on page 3 of the website will be reviewed and updated.

ii. Each sub-committee will compose a brief statement of activities, achievements and photographs.

iii. Trail Map – Tom Bierl will request a map of all installed trails, from Regester , to include with the Trails Section.

iv. Blurbs to include information on facilities usage (i.e., URA) and County Grant information.

5. New Business

a. LeFevre Subdivision Site Plan – a motion was made, voted on and passed that a request for a 10’ easement off the road right of way (Parkersville Rd.) for future trails (not to be currently installed) be made for the LeFevre Subdivision Site Plan. It was noted that there are no planned trails in that area. In addition, consultation with Pennsbury Township regarding their trail plans was recommended.

6. Sub-Committee Reports

a. Trails – Zeke Hubbard reported that Lauressa McNemar has requested that The Trails Subcommittee indicate intentions for the County Grant Application. It was agreed and determined that the Red Bridge Trails are the next priority for the Trails Sub-committee and it will pursue the Chester County Grant Process as it pertains to the Red Bridge connection, involving two (2) bridges. The bridge design for Overlook Circle exists. One additional bridge design is needed to make the connection at Bittersweet. Trail layout for Bittersweet is needed. Consultation with engineer needed to develop preliminary trail design, bridge design, obtain permits and estimates. Funding Required: 2010 Budget allocation for engineering consultation. A letter of proposal wil be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.

Trail feasibility meeting to be arranged with Lauressa McNemar, Tom Bierl, Chris Conaway and Zeke Hubbard.

b. Stream Team – Bill Haaf reported that the Stream Team held its Annual Meeting on 3/11/09 and was well attended with several new members. Planting date at Red Bridge is 5/23 (rain date 5/24). Bill advised that chicken wire has been purchased to serve as deer guards, instead of plastic tree guards. Stream Testing is scheduled for 4/25 and 5/2. Volunteers are needed to participate.

Bill also reported that he is pursuing a Docksteder Grant to enable homeowners to receive Home Energy Audits and will present to the BOS.

c. Founder’s Day – Ricki Stumpo reported that plans are moving ahead for Sunday, 9/20 from 12 – 4 p.m.

d. CleanWays – Lawrie Bolger reported that Saturday, April 18 is the Second Annual Pocopson Community Earth Day Clean Up, “Pick it up, Pocopson!” Email notification will be sent to Homeowners’ Associations, Scouting Groups and last year’s participants; posters and flyers will be distributed, and press releases will be submitted to local publications. Clean up sites will be assigned as groups register. Individuals will register by calling the township office.

7. Meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.