May 18, 2020

Parks and Recreation Committee

Members present:
Laura Miller
John Bikhart
Toinette Neilson
Tina Skinner

Tree Committee members Casey Groff and Jim Ambrose
Garden liaison Heide Harper

Ken Batton, Township Manager


Call to order 7 pm by Laura 
Approval of minutes

Park Report by Ken:

The township must approve new Riparian Buffer ordinance by September as part of mandated stormwater maintenance plan. New Tree Committee forming to help.

A private citizen has offered to pay for and build a handicap-accessible garden bed in the community garden near the gate, water, and an ADA accessible table. Park committee approved the idea for consideration by BOS.

Laura Goddard is expected to settle in the next couple weeks on sale of two acre plot and house along with 12-acre donation for addition to Goddard Park. John asked about working with township staff to explore feasible site for access bridge to link new property to park, and help in securing grant money.

Township is negotiating with property owners on south side of Avondale Road to secure two acres for access trail to link Goddard with new Blosser Property. And a $15,000 grant has been obtained to improve access lanes and small utility parking for maintenance and storm water management project at Blosser site.

Financial Report: Ken said $5,500 has been spent on maintenance so far from this year’s budget.

John and Casey discussed concern about erosion around a large tree on Husband’s Trail. Ken asked the to submit an email to the township detailing the problem and suggested solutions for Township to address.

Ken reported expectation of a grant in the next couple of weeks to pay for a trail from across from Township office to Inniscrone, extending the Rose Hollow Trail. And a  trail to link Rose Hill to Traditions.

Old Business

Goddard Park:
Laura said Audrey is working on a plaque quote for the memorial Garden. Also, now that memorial garden has been approved by BOS, Laura will contact Marna’s sister regarding pledged $10,000 donation for construction. Because total construction costs are over $19,000, the bidding process will be opened to at least three estimates, Ken said.

For Earth Day, Laura said volunteers we4ere able to build two garden boxes in three hours. A couple of gardeners showed up to help, along with Stephen Riffici. Heide said Boy Scouts built a third one. She said that filling the boxes with dirt has been hard for gardeners, and Ken said more dirt would be delivered now that old pile has been moved to the boxes.

A June 4th vine removal gathering is planned for 10 a.m. Laura will ask township to update pubic notice to invite people to bring pruning tools, and to wear long sleeves and pants for protection. Casey, who is a licensed applicator, will follow behind to apply herbicides after cutting.

Laura said Aubrey is working on a list of speakers for Walk in the Park series.

John is working on a list of scout projects for BOS approval.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58