|
Pocopson Township
Open Space Committee
Minutes from Meeting of July 10, 2007 7:30 p.m.
Attendees:
Chris Conaway
Bill Haaf
Zeke Hubbard
Joe Stumpo
Ricki Stumpo
Also in attendance were residents Bill Brown and Jamie White.
Open Meeting: Zeke Hubbard opened the meeting
at 7:35 PM.
1. Review of Minutes from Meeting of
June 12, 2007
Motion to accept minutes of June 12, 2007 as amended; seconded; approved
by all in attendance.
2. Announcements:
·
New owner of the Hipkins property (Clocal) was unable to
make this meeting, but plans to attend the August 14 meeting. Zeke will
request that Bill Harwood attend, as well. This will be an opportunity to
address past actions that have made the trail inconsistent with the Final
Subdivision Plan for Cannon Hill.
3. New Business:
a) Resident concerns
Bill Brown had attended the May 8 and June 12 PRT meetings to discuss
issues related to this area. Jamie Brown, another Cannon Hill resident,
also expressed concerns, including:
·
Can building permits be issued for any/all of the three
lots? (Understanding is that the lots have been perked, and that DEP and
the county were involved in the past few years because of soil
disturbance.
·
Power lines require 150 ft right of way (75 ft on each side
from center line).
·
Streams were covered; soil quality is unknown. Water could
spring up from underground if digging for a foundation begins in some of
the wet areas.
·
Trail is mowed, but grows back so quickly that location
isn’t always identifiable.
·
Trailers and old equipment were expected to have been moved
out last week, but are still there; Zoning Officer to continue efforts to
have them removed.
·
What type of easement exists with Brandywine Conservancy?
Does it allow public access?
·
Mr. Brown filled 14 fence post holes, but has found more.
He’d like Bill Harwood to take a look at them.
·
When driveway was cut in, a pipe to the creek was installed,
likely without a permit.
·
Bill Haaf and the Stream Team can look at planting trees
along that section of the Brandywine.
·
Ricki will put together a file of complaints, citations,
etc., from the past several years for the August 14 meeting.
b) Litter Control Initiative was brought up at the
May 9 Supervisors’ meeting. A possible slogan might be ” The views are
free; let’s keep them litter free.” (currently used on Route 82)
4. Old Business
Playground at Pocopson Park: Graded area is
currently insufficient. Trail will be moved to allow more space for the
tot lot.
Pavilion: Moved about 25 ft away from hedgerow. Public Works crew is
leveling ground to set the foundation.
Founders Day:
·
May have rubber horseshoes for use that day by children on a
shorter course, and steel and regulation (30 ft) size pits for adults are
to play. Will install for that day, and consider permanent installation if
popular.
·
Group is meeting on July 11.
·
Nearly $3,000 in sponsorships has been pledged.
Trail along Riverside and Pocopson Elementary
·
Agreement has been held up because of school’s concerns
about horses, bicycles, skateboards, insurance, etc. Township is trying to
address their concerns without compromising the conditions of the easement
that the Township holds on that trail. The Township’s insurance will cover
the easement, which should assuage some of the school district’s concerns.
May modify the curve of the trail to slow traffic.
Litter Initiative: Will discuss in September after Lawrie Bolger
returns to the area.
Taylor’s Run: Chris Conaway has reviewed a
number of areas where trails appear on subdivision plans but have not been
installed. He would like to recommend 4-5 trail sites that should be
resurveyed so that the trail easements can be cleared (and installed, if
necessary), one by one, until trails exist to match up with the plans.
Zeke recommends developing a plan for annual trail
maintenance and installation, including surveying. Get BOS approval for an
annual line item in the budget. Chris will call Jim Fritsch to get
estimates of surveying costs. Sheila Fleming can provide estimates for
installation costs (although some clearing and installation may be
performed by Public Works and volunteers). Chris will prepare letter to
BOS outlining proposal for 2008 and requesting budget approval.
5. Township Meetings Review: Zoning Hearing
Board meeting scheduled for July 12 regarding Margera property.
6. Subcommittee Reports
Trails: covered above
Historic: Founders Day displays of historic clothing, games for
children, oral histories, etc. Visitors will be able to see inside the
building, although access may not be possible by 9/15.
Streams: 5 people have contacted Bill Haaf to volunteer for the
Stream Team after the notice in the Summer Newsletter. There is a 200 ft.
narrow stream section near Lenni Drive that’s on a slope; Mr. Haaf is
requesting permission through Chester County to do testing, plant trees
there, etc., in October. TreeVitalize will supply the trees if 20+
volunteers are lined up (will seek more at Founders Day). The County will
dig the holes. Mr. Haaf will request macroinvertebrate training by Stroud
Preserve for new Stream Team members in time for October project. Finally,
Mr. Haaf will also look at the Hipkins property to see if planting along
the stream would be desirable.
Sustainability: Bill Haaf still assessing energy usage for last year,
focusing on the garage rather than the Township office building (since it
will be vacated in a few years). An energy engineer may be needed for the
garage. Mr. Haaf suggested having several firms noted on website, with
offer to residents that they pay a portion, and the Township a portion, of
the cost to do energy audit.
7. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at
9:10 PM.
__________________________________________
Ezekiel C. Hubbard, Chair, Parks, Recreation & Trails
Committee
______________________________
Peggy Lennon, Recording Secretary |
