WARWICK TOWNSHIP TO EPHRATA BOROUGH RAIL TRAIL

FEASIBILITY STUDY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

June 8, 2006

ATTENDEES:  Present at the meeting were Rick Jackson, Damian Clawser, Ellen Rupp, Mike Domin, Dan Zimmerman, Bob Thompson, Steve Sawyer, Jim Summers, Ed Stone, Janice Wenger, John McBeth, Curt Strasheim, Tony Kilkuskie, Carl Laws Landis, John Williamson, J. Tyler Zerbe, Karen Scheffey, Leonard Martin, Herb Flosdorf, Dan Guers

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  April 13, 2006 Feasibility Study Committee Meeting #2 as amended; May 11, 2006 Feasibility Study Committee Meeting #3

REVIEW OF THE “INVENTORY” & “ANALYSIS” DOCUMENTS:  Rick Jackson, ELA Group, reviewed the “Inventory” & “Analysis documents.  In reviewing such, the 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 potential route were noted.  Jackson noted that both documents would continue to evolve as the feasibility study proceeds.

DISCUSSION OF OWNERSHIP ISSUES:  In discussing the issues of ownership, the consultant team provided some brief background.  In doing such, mapping was utilized to illustrate parcels of potential conflict, parcels of perceived non-conflict, and parcels in which the presence of potential conflict is inconclusive.  Mapping was also utilized to illustrate the area of railroad right of way, which was quit claimed by Pagnotti Enterprises.  Following this brief background, the committee reviewed a draft memorandum concerning a telephone conversation that occurred between Steering Committee members and Richard Wilson, Esq., an attorney specializing in Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) matters, on Wednesday, June 7, 2006.  The primary discussion focused on the potential use of condemnation in acquiring the former railroad right of way.  It was ultimately noted that such discussion was inappropriate at this time given that no determination of feasibility has been made.  While not appropriate at this time, the committee noted that such cannot be ignored as a potential in the future.  Based on the recommendation of the consultant team, the Feasibility Study Committee agreed to retain Mr. Wilson’s services with the understanding that cost of such legal advice will not exceed $5,000 (the original amount set aside for legal expenses).

DISCUSSION CONCERNING JUNE 22^ND PUBLIC MEETING:  In preparation for the first public meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Warwick Middle School, the committee briefly reviewed the agenda and discussed the format for such.  The meeting will consist of following:  Review of the Study’s Purpose, Review of Completed Work (“Inventory” and “Analysis” Documents), Viewing of Photographic Slide Show, Discussion of Potential Benefits and Conflicts, and Question & Answer. 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30pm.

NEXT MEETING(s):

June 22, 2006 at 7:00pm at Warwick Middle School (1^st Public Meeting)
July 13, 2006 at 7:00pm at Ephrata Borough Hall (Study Committee Meeting)

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman

Warwick Township Manager