A special meeting of the Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority was called to order on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the Schoonover Municipal Building to discuss spray irrigation with the White Heron Lake property owners. Perry M. Henley presiding.

 

Members present: Perry M. Henley, Fred May and Oscar Woerlein. Also present were Michele Clewell and numerous residents of White Heron Lake.

 

Perry M. Henley stated that the purpose of the meeting is to get input from White Heron Lake property owners regarding the possibility of spray irrigation and if there is an interest.

 

Kate Rosset, President of the White Heron Lake Property Owners stated that she is not sure if the members at large would be interested in selling or renting a tract of land to accommodate the Municipal Authority. Ms. Rosset also stated that six board members were in attendance at tonight’s meeting.

 

Perry M. Henley and Fred May gave a brief history of why the Municipal Authority is looking for large tracts of land within the township for spray irrigation.

 

Fred May stated that the members of White Heron would still be allowed to hunt and fish the land as the land doesn’t really change much. There would be little sprinkler heads with lines under the surface of the ground for the spray irrigation and possibly a pump station.

 

Saglinda Roberts asked if the Authority has approached the golf course owners within the township. Perry M. Henley stated that over the years the owners of the golf courses have been approached and they all have said they are not interested in helping the Municipal Authority.

 

There was general concern about the odors and the board members assured the audience that there would be no odor as the effluent sprayed would be treated wastewater.

 

Fred May stated that a lagoon would have to be created to hold the excess effluent in the months that spraying is not allowed, but not necessarily on White Heron property.

 

There was discussion for the White Heron Lake members to visit an operation that uses the effluent from the spray irrigation process.

 

There were numerous questions regarding the amount of money the Authority would pay White Heron Lake and Perry M. Henley stated that this would have to be negotiated.

 

 Kate Rosset and Linda Smith questioned the Authority about eminent domain. Perry M. Henley, Fred May and Oscar Woerlein stated that if the Authority can not come up with a location for spray irrigation then the idea is mute as they would not agree to a taking of land.

 

Kate Rosset stated that the board members will be meeting over the next month and will let the Authority know their decision.

 

There being no further business the meeting adjourned in regular order at 7:55 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Michele Clewell, Recording Secretary

Middle Smithfield Township Municipal Authority

June 23, 2008

 

 

Perry M. Henley _____________________

 

Fred May __________________________

 

Oscar Woerlein _____________________