Eastern Monroe Regional Park Commission

July 28, 2008

 

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

Monday, July 28, 2008 at 7:40 pm in the Middle Smithfield Township building with the following members present:  representing Smithfield Township were Leslie Underhill, Vince Della Fera – Smithfied Supervisor Chip McGloin and Doyle Nelson. Representing Middle Smithfield Township were Al Decker, John Ferro and Judy Summers

 

John moved that the May 19th minutes be approved and Chip seconded. The motion carried.

 

James Wiseburn an Eagle Scout candidate appeared and reported that raising monies for his project at Mt. Nebo was harder than he had anticipated.  Monies needed to complete the project are approximately $450.  This project will include ATV barriers which at this time are complete and yet to be done (2) bridges at Mt. Nebo.  At this time James has raised $150 and needs $300 for more materials.  Chip moved that we contribute $275 from the Access Reconstruction Fund to help James purchase necessary supplies for his project.  John seconded the motion and the motion carried.  James reported that the bridge work will be done August 24th and he believes it will be a one-day project perhaps two.

 

Christine Griffin, Smithfield Supervisor attended the meeting and asked that the Eastern Monroe Regional Parks Commission consider a new use for the Smithfield Township building at Buttermilk Falls Road and Route 209.  The new township facility is planned to be ready December 1, 2008.  Christine and Vince feel that the Buttermilk Falls building could supply space for community activities, recreation center, senior activities, etc.  Discussion followed.  Doyle questioned that EMRPC’s focus should be on development and maintenance of the regional parks and open space.  He asked why Smithfield’s Parks and Recreation Committee couldn’t support and do this?  Both Christine and Vince wanted EMRPC involved because they want this building viewed as a Monroe County facility to be used by all living in Eastern Monroe County.  Christine and Judy Summers will explore this and do fact finding on this usage, maintenance, costs, insurance, etc. and report at the next meeting.  Discussion followed and several members were in favor of this usage 

 

Joyce Bush and her Dog Park committee attended the meeting.  Leslie reported that Christine Griffin, Smithfield Supervisor had some issues with the proposed dog park.  Christine feels that the location is somewhat isolated and would not serve the residents as well as perhaps another site.   She would like to see other sites considered.  She also does not like the proximity of Route 80.  As a Smithfield Supervisor she does not want to be responsible for this activity.  Joyce Bush presented a signed petition of 200 names of those who would use and support this proposed dog park.  John Ferro stated that he is in favor of this site for the proposed dog park.  A suggestion came forth to name this park “Eastern Monroe Dog Park”.  Joyce and her committee have been patient and would like to get started with fund raising, etc.  If this site is not an acceptable location she asked that EMRPC please be prompt and let her committee know so that they can get focused.  Christine mentioned that she had spoken with Tim Herd, Executive Director of Monroe Regional Parks & Recreation and this discussion lead to (2) sites Terra Greens and Glenbrook that they felt might be well suited for the proposed dog park.  Leslie stated that Smithfield Board of Supervisors has a work session on Wednesday, July 30th and she will ask that they decide on this and Leslie will then contact Joyce.  Chip moved that we resubmit to the Smithfield Board of Supervisors a motion to proceed with the dog park with $9000 from this years Park Budget to be allocated for construction of fencing enclosure for 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.  Al Decker seconded.  Motion carried.

 

Doyle reported that the ATV barriers are improved.  The fallen trees are now positioned with long metal spikes securing them.  He hopes this will be a better deterrent.  He mentioned that the next work day is August 24th on the orange trail.  The bridge work should be started and completed.  Doyle reported that he is concerned about the status of the dam at Mt. Nebo.  Back in December, 2004 Boucher & James, Inc. recommended that (1) a siphon pipe be installed to help drop the water level (2) and that an analysis, a feasibility study and further evaluations be considered.  The pipe was done.  What should we now do?  Doyle will look at grants.  Also, exploration on cost of feasibility study is necessary if we approach any grant monies. Doyle will check with Boucher & James, Inc.  on the cost of a feasibility study.  Perhaps grant money plus each township contributing equally could evolve this into a plan.  Doyle will also speak with township engineer Doug Olmstead at Middle Smithfield to get his evaluation of his recent visit to the dam.  Al Decker and Doug Olmstead recently were at the dam and Doug may have written a report for the MST Supervisors

 

Doyle will report on the archeological status at our next meeting.

 

John wanted an update on are we continuing to look for open space parcels?  Doyle stated that both townships have open space committees.  Discussion followed.  Leap’s Bog parcel was discussed briefly. 

 

John moved that we adjourn at 9:20 pm.  Chip seconded.  Motion carried.

 

The next meeting is August 18th at 7:30 pm at Middle Smithfield Township.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Summers