Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting

The Moon Township Environmental Advisory Council met on April 18, 2018, and approved the minutes from its March 14 meeting. In new business, the council reviewed a preliminary/final minor land development application for Robert Morris University’s combined heat and power plant, which will heat campus facilities. The application included proposed lighting, landscaping, and stormwater management plans. A council member noted a potential issue with an ordinance regarding impenetrable surfaces due to the plant’s size, and a council member said that would need to be addressed. The council member also reported that a proposed firing range, discussed in January, did not meet zoning requirements because of its proximity to a stream. The council discussed the township’s progress toward becoming a Live Well community; the board of supervisors has approved a resolution to pursue the program, and the township is on track to meet requirements. The council is partnering with Heritage Valley to hold a health fair at the high school in 2019, with a focus on the opioid crisis. A council member volunteered to help with event planning. A council member reported that she has received approval to hire an employee as a full-time summer employee, and a resident has expressed interest in joining the council. The council finalized plans for its Earth Day activity, “Can You Dig It?” on April 22, including a plant giveaway, educational displays, and a quiz. Members will arrive by noon and park at Heritage Valley or near the gazebo. The council decided to have a council member discuss talking points about the council at the event. A council member reported that the comprehensive plan update team is meeting on April 19. The council noted there will be no meetings in June or July 2018. A council member reported that the weekly Farmers’ Market has many new vendors and all slots are filled, and the council could have a table if desired. A council member provided the quarterly At Your Door report, noting many televisions are still being recycled in the township. The council discussed a possible sponsorship for the Fourth of July 5K race, but all sponsorships are full; the council could host a water table, which will be added to the next meeting’s agenda. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.