Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met on September 6, 2017, and approved the minutes from its June 14 meeting. In new business, the council reviewed several land development plans. For the University Center project at University and Business 376, members criticized the proposed buildings’ lack of character and the confusing name, though the plans meet all landscaping requirements. A Valvoline oil change center will replace a previously planned Jimmy John’s shop near Eat n Park. Staunton Heights is experiencing utility problems. Moon Park improvements, including new playground and exercise facilities and a stormwater education area, are awaiting bids for a spring 2018 start. A Miracle Field for special-needs children will be built near the park’s front entrance, with the soccer field relocated to the back. The council discussed the upcoming 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference on October 11-12 in Monroeville. A fall road cleanup is tentatively set for October 28, with Boggs School Road currently closed. An employee presented the draft MS4 Pollutant Reduction Plan and Notice of Intent, which identify affected streams and require a 10% reduction in pollutants and soil erosion; the first phase includes 10 water retention ponds with funding estimates, and dredging will require lab testing of collected cinders. An employee motioned for the committee to pursue MS4 education, improvements, and incentives for planners and engineers to add stormwater directives in zoning regulations, and members will research successful examples from other communities. In old business, the June 3 recycling day collected over 115,000 pounds of electronics, with a $1,455 invoice for Freon removal; the next recycling day is October 7. An employee reported on her government-in-review interview about council functions. The July 2 Community Day and 50th anniversary of Moon Park were deemed successful, though some parents complained about a lack of younger kid activities and insufficient advertising. The smoke-free parks presentation to the Board of Supervisors is set for November 29, and the topic appears controversial with at least one board member. The comprehensive plan was expected to be approved at the concurrent township board meeting, and the team is expanding its focus to include parts of Beaver Grade, Moon Clinton, and Broadhead Roads. Members discussed the Montour Run Watershed Association booth at Robinson Township’s Autumn Festival on September 9. An employee proposed allowing youth members to join the EAC, which would require changing the ordinance; an employee suggested members bring ideas to the October meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.