RANCOCAS CREEK ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Meeting
September 17, 2006
Present
Mary Jane and Doug Barber, Diane Bauer, Barrie Borman, Ryan Donnelly, Marie Dugan, Dottie and Al Goldacker, Betty Hayes, Craig Katz, Kevin Katz, Tom Kempton, Steven E. Martin, Don Mauer and Mary Jo Rogers, Claudia and John McNamara, Claire and Wayne Milligan
The meeting commenced at 11:00 a.m.
Reports
The Secretary's Report was given by Claire Milligan.
The Treasurer's Report was delivered by Diane Bauer.
Old Business
- A meeting is scheduled for September 29, 2006 to discuss the status of the L&D Groundwater Remediation. Craig Katz, John McNamara and Tom Kempton will attend.
- Residents of Rabbit Run in Eastampton reiterated their concern about public water. The County has purchased three properties and is unresponsive to their requests. Also, residents mentioned the need for manpower assistance in spreading paving materials for road repair. Eastampton Township provides transportation of paving materials which were paid for by residents. While the RCA notes the concerns of our community, those affected by these two aforementioned issues would be better served by dealing directly with Eastampton Township officials.
- The Fall Float is scheduled for October 15, 2006. John and Kevin will number the docks in the early morning. Craig volunteered to run the RCA table. Anyone wishing to help, please contact Craig. John Corson will be the Grand Marshall. Some members stated more trees have fallen since the creek clean up and were assured the County will do another survey and removal before the event.
- The end of the season brunch will be on October 29, 2006 in the billiard room of the Smithville Mansion. Mary Jo and Claire will assist Betty with the preparation of the brunch.
- Don reported on the Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting, basically to limit damage from disasters. Most of the attendees were from the County and "stakeholders" such as ourselves. If the township does not have a mitigation plan in effect, funding will not be available in times of natural disaster.
New Business
Two guest speakers were on hand to discuss public safety. The first speaker was Steven E. Martin of the Mount Holly Police Department. After various communications with Don and others, the police department has been alerted to the issue of speeding along Shreve St. and W. Railroad Avenue. Also some issues with dump trucks were raised. In response, police have cited some motorists for speeding and enforced seat belt regulations. Regarding installation of speed bumps, the township of Mount Holly has not allowed those which have to anchored. Wayne suggested a speed bump with caps for manual installation and easy removal for the bike race. Steven will interface with the township engineer.
The next speaker was Ryan Donnelly, the local emergency management coordinator. He reinforced the ideas presented by Kevin Tuno namely with the emergence of new technology and open lines of communication, progress is being made in different phases of natural disaster. Regarding the Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting, Ryan reported the plan to be in the beginning stages and will be a progressive plan. Some examples of preventative measures may be to build houses on stilts in low lying areas and acquiring protective land for better water flow. Development of houses changes flow. Claudia mentioned planting on tracts of land along the creek. John commented on the great creek levels of late, owing this to the effectiveness of this new communication with different agencies.
Ryan also a member of the fire department told the residents of Rabbit Run, their issues with the road repair could be construed as a public safety matter.
Thank you to Steven and Ryan.
Other Business
Don added funding will be available for repair of the dam. A resolution should be in effect within 2 years.
The meeting adjourned at 11:56.
Sincerely, Claire Milligan