WARWICK TOWNSHIP TO EPHRATA BOROUGH RAIL TRAIL

FEASIBILITY STUDY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

May 11, 2006

ATTENDEES:  Present at the meeting were Rick Jackson, Damian Clawser, Hugh Cadzow, Ellen Rupp, Mike Domin, Lauri Ahlskog, Bob Thompson, Matt Knepper, Steve Sawyer, Gerald Pfautz, Isaac Zimmerman, Amos Hurst Sr., David Kratzer, Jim Summers, Ed Stone, Janice Wenger, John McBeth, Curt Strasheim, Tony Kilkuskie, Carl Laws Landis, John Williamson, Paul Wenger, Jeff Balmer

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:  Bob Thompson noted that in the interest of maximizing the productivity of these Steering Committee meetings changes to the procedures of such would be made.  He explained that correspondence was sent to Steering Committee members to solicit interest in serving as the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.  No response was received.  An additional request was made verbally.  Again, no interest was expressed.  Given such, he explained that he would serve as Chair, Dan Guers would serve as Vice Chair, and Dan Zimmerman would serve as Secretary.  Thompson also noted that time for public comment would be reserved at the completion of committee business.  A 30 minute allocation for such will be given.  Comments from a single individual will be limited to a maximum of 5 minutes.   

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  April 13, 2006 Feasibility Study Committee Meeting

REVIEW OF “PURPOSE OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY” DOCUMENT:  Rick Jackson, ELA Group, reviewed the revisions that were made to the “Purpose of the Feasibility Study” document. 

REVIEW OF THE “INVENTORY” DOCUMENT:  Rick Jackson, ELA Group, reviewed the “Inventory” document.  In reviewing such, characteristics of the involved communities (demographics, consistency between proposed trail and existing recreation plans, etc.) and the physical attributes (existing adjacent land uses, potential trail destinations, potential for connection with existing trail and sidewalk networks, soil characteristics, etc.) of the proposed route were noted.  Jackson notes that the document would continue to evolve as the feasibility study proceeds.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW:  Damian Clawser, ELA Group, conducted a photo slideshow of the proposed trail route.  In doing such, the potential of the proposed trail was noted (physical beauty, potential for wetland restoration in certain areas, potential places of connectivity, potential for the restoration of historic structures).  In addition, potential obstacles were explained (lack of sight distance at certain road crossings, planting and structural encroachments, injury risks, conflicting land use).

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Gerald Pfautz, an adjacent landowner, noted his concern over the legality of a rail-trail cutting through a preserved farm.  He also asserted his claim to ownership of the rail line right-of-way adjacent to his property.  Chairman Thompson assured Mr. Pfautz that the facts concerning such issues were being explored.  If necessary, Thompson also noted that the Study Committee would be willing to meet with Pfautz individually.

Jeff Balmer, an adjacent landowner, questioned whether adjacent landowners would receive individual notice of the study’s findings.  No decision on the matter was reached.    Rick Jackson noted that the completed study report is a public document and that given such; the public would have the opportunity to review the findings.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:47pm.

NEXT MEETING:  June 8, 2006 at 7:00pm at Ephrata Borough Hall

Respectfully submitted,

David W. Kratzer, Jr.

Warwick Township