Eastern Monroe Regional Park Commission

April 21, 2008

The regular meeting of the Eastern Monroe Regional Park Commission was held on

Monday, April 21, 2008 at 7:35 pm in the Middle Smithfield Township building with the following members present: representing Smithfield Township were Leslie Underhill, Vince Della Fera – Smithfied Supervisor and Doyle Nelson. Representing Middle Smithfield Township were Al Decker, Pat LaPeter, John Ferro, Virginia Manbeck – Middle Smithfield Grant Coordinator and Judy Summers.

Doyle moved that the March minutes be approved and Pat seconded.

Doyle asked Vince for a report on the Mt. Nebo bulletin board and the Fishing sign he had requested. Vince stated that he would follow through on both items and report at the next meeting. Leslie reported that the Smithfield Supervisors had decided not to approve the DCNR grant for the dog park. The Supervisors do not want to spend money on a project in the flood plain (see attachment 1). Lengthy discussion followed. The commission reviewed previous discussions and ideas on temporary fencing versus regular fencing. Doyle moved that Smithfield and Middle Smithfield Township Supervisors be advised that $9000 from this years Park Budget be allocated for construction of a permanent fenced enclosure for the River’s Edge Dog Park with no amenities, however this money would not be obligated until a dollar for dollar match was received from public donations. John seconded. Motion carried.

Leslie also reported that Wednesday would be clean-up day at River’s Edge. John Ferro had a new estimate from Swida Fence for $19,200 (see attachment 2).

Discussion followed. Joyce Bush and two members of the River’s Edge Dog Park Committee were in attendance and shared their flyer (see attachment 3). Leslie stated that she wants permanent fencing for River’s Edge dog park.

Doyle reported on Mt. Nebo. The trails are generally in good shape. Doyle has cleaned missing/broken markers and cleared all the tree branches and other debris. He reported that damage had been done by paint balls. The signs and the tool shed have been attacked, as well as several trail markers. It appears that a paint ball has enough force to fracture the plastic lens. Doyle cleaned off the signs and replaced the broken markers. He suggested that if anyone happens to be at Mt. Nebo when paint ballers are playing

that a chat with them might be worth while. If this continues, we may have to prohibit

paint ball playing. The ATV’ers have found their way around 3 of the 5 places where trees were dropped last winter. Doyle will be working on extending the blockades with the help of James Wiseburn an Eagle Scout candidate. On an upnote, Doyle is seeing regular usage by people looking for geocaches. Doyle picked up garbage along the front

of the park that borders Mt. Nebo Road. He also cleaned up two piles of garbage inside the park that appeared to be dragged by bear(s).

Leslie had received two requests for use of River’s Edge. Scott Dietrich from ESU wants to use the Frisbee golf area for a frisbee gathering. Discussion followed. Conditions were established: (1) the group using must post the course at least 2 days before so that others are aware of the reserved use (2) users must carry out all trash and (3) users must provide an insurance certification before using. All groups need to be aware that there are no sanitation facilities there at this point. Also, a fee schedule was established:

$15 for groups up to 25

$30 for groups up to 50

$50 for groups over 50

Brad was denied usage because the commission felt that having no sanitation facilities with a large group was not workable.

James Wiseburn a candidate for Eagle Scout presented his project. He will be working at Mt Nebo extending the blockades. Doyle will be checking his progress and James is hoping to complete his work by September.

Doyle mentioned that he had gotten a request from Professor Joe Gingrich from The University of Wyoming asking for permission to undertake a one week exploratory dig. Doyle will get more specific site parameters and details for the next meeting.

Doyle moved to adjourn at 9:35 pm. John seconded.

Next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2008 at 7:30 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Summers