WARWICK TOWNSHIP TO EPHRATA BOROUGH RAIL TRAIL

FEASIBILITY STUDY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

September 14, 2006

ATTENDEES:  Present at the meeting were Rick Jackson (ELA Group), Damian Clawser (ELA Group), Lauri Ahlskog (LCPC), Dan Zimmerman (Warwick Township), Bob Thompson (Ephrata Borough), Steve Sawyer (Ephrata Township), Herb Flosdorf (Warwick Township), John McBeth (Akron Borough), Curt Strasheim (WRRC), Carl Laws Landis (Akron Borough), John Williamson (Akron Borough), Tony Kilkuskie (Ephrata Borough) Jim Summers (Ephrata Rec Center), Ed Stone (Warwick Township), Leonard Martin (Ephrata Township), Isaac Zimmerman (Warwick Township-resident), Gerald Pfautz (Warwick Township-resident), Gil Lutz (Warwick Township-resident), Amos Hurst Sr. (Warwick Township-resident)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  The Study Committee unanimously approved the minutes of the August 10, 2006 meeting as submitted.

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF THE SECOND PUBLIC MEETING:  The Study Committee reviewed the cancellation notice of the second public meeting.  Zimmerman noted that Williamson’s previous idea of including a survey with the cancellation notices to the property owners adjacent to the proposed trail route was being done.

LETTER TO LANCASTER COUNTY AG PRESERVE BOARD & LANCASTER FARMLAND TRUST:  The Study Committee reviewed the letter that Chairman Thompson sent to both the Lancaster County Ag Preserve Board (APB) & Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT) inquiring as to whether any of the existing agricultural easements on the properties adjacent to the proposed trail are inclusive of the former railroad corridor.  The Study Committee reviewed LFT’s response to the inquiry.  In their response letter, LFT noted that the Trust holds one conservation easement within the study area.  That easement is not inclusive of the former railroad corridor.  While their current practice prohibits recreational uses such as a rail-trail on properties under a conservation easement, LFT noted that due to the importance and popularity of rail-trails as alternative transportation routes and recreational facilities they are in the process of altering the format of their current conservation easements to permit rail-trails under future conservation easement.  A response from APB has not yet been received.

UPDATE ON THE “INVENTORY & ANALYSIS”:  Jackson provided an update on the “Inventory & Analysis” phase of the study.  He articulated that this phase remains nearly completed.  Jackson noted the following two outstanding issues:  1) Consultant team is still waiting for a response from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as to whether any historic resources exist within the study area.  2)  Consultant team has been unable to evaluate the bridge structure over the Cocalico Creek.  A consequence of such has been the inability to complete a Wetlands and Phase I ESA.  It was explained that the adjacent property owner remains unwilling to allow access to the property.  Access is needed to conduct the evaluation.  Realizing such, the consultant team is planning to contact the property owner on the other side of the Cocalico Creek to determine his or her willingness to permit access to evaluate the bridge structure.  

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM RICHARD R. WILSON, ESQ.:  The Study Committee reviewed the correspondence from Wilson, an attorney specializing in STB issues.  In the correspondence, Wilson outlines the legal options for railroad right of way acquisition.  The Study Committee requested that Jackson contact Wilson to obtain additional details concerning the stated legal options.

DISCUSSION ON TRAIL DESIGN STANDARDS:  The Study Committee continued its review of the trail design standards document, which was provided at the August 10^th meeting.  Discussed items included the need for pedestrian advisory signals at high-speed at-grade crossings, the need to ensure adequate dimensions for emergency response vehicles, and how the creation of stubs would maximize the potential for any future expansion of the proposed trail.    

REVIEW OF TRAIL CONSTRUCTION COST OPINION:  The Study Committee reviewed the trail construction cost opinion prepared by the consultants.  Particular focus was given to the estimated cost that would be incurred with the various roadway crossings.  A correction (typographical error; $55,875 to $35,875) to the estimated cost of at-grade crossings of high speed roads was made.  Committee requested further clarification of the estimated cost of grade-separated crossings.  Consultants indicated that they would clarify.

REVIEW OF GENERAL PRIORITIZATION/PHASING:  Based on earlier discussions, the Consultants reviewed a handout entitled “Discussion Points,” which posed a series of questions regarding three key issues.  The questions were as follows:

·    Issue #1:  How would the Study Committee recommend that the necessary interest in the corridor be obtained?

·    Issue #2:  What entity/structure would the Study Committee recommend for acquiring, developing, and maintaining the Rail-Trail, should it be deemed feasible?

·    Issue #3:  What approach would the Study Committee recommend for phasing/prioritizing the acquisition and development of the Rail-Trail, should it be deemed feasible?

The consultants asked that the Study Committee consider and be prepared to discuss these issues at the October Study Committee Meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Gerald Pfautz (Warwick Township-resident) and Gil Lutz (Warwick Township-resident) continue to stress the need and/or process to define the ownership issue.  Chairman Thompson explained that a definitive answer will be difficult given the previously discussed obstacles and difficulties encountered during the investigation of right of way title issues.  Amos Hurst, Sr. (Warwick Township-resident) expressed his concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed trail to his front door.  Zimmerman explained that buffers could be installed to ensure adequate privacy.  Zimmerman also noted his willingness to meet with Hurst on-site to discuss further. 

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm.

NEXT MEETING:  October 12, 2006 at 7:00pm at Ephrata Borough Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman

Warwick Township Manager