East Earl concerned about stormwater mandate

By Tory Lingg
For Journal Register News Service

Chairman Dave Zimmerman said, “It is good to be proactive for the county to come up with a plan before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection mandates it… …There are good reasons to manage storm water… …We should talk with Mike Brubaker and Gordon Denlinger to have them look into it… …It is a major item across the state and it has a big financial consequence regarding costs for municipalities.”

Supervisor Earl Kreider agreed, “It will put a burden on the plain folks… …They are pushing for an engineer’s seal on every storm water management plan. We will let them know we are not happy with some of the wording.”

“We have to notify our representative and senator they are going a bit too far,” said Supervisor Joe Shriver.

“We are being put under undue pressure by the D.E.P. and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” said Kreider.

Dave Kegerize, representing Paradise Energy Solutions of Gap explained there proposal to locate solar panels in a field along East Earl Road near the cement plant. The land is zoned industrial and owned by Martin Limestone. The solar energy site will be leased to Martin Limestone for 25 years, said Kegerize.

A 5-foot security fence will surround the solar panels and screening will be planted to prevent sun glare. The plans were reviewed by the Planning Commission and final approval was granted to the land development plan.

Bob Murphy from Larsen Design Group of Ephrata gave another update to a long range plan for Petra Christian Fellowship located along Airport Road. The plans include the sale of six residential lots, road improvements, parking spaces, ball fields, a gym and additions to the sanctuary. The construction phases extend through 2027. Waivers were approved.

The Lancaster County Drug Task Force raided a marijuana project in Terre Hill in July, said East Earl Chief of Police Kevin McCarthy.

McCarthy said after a review of statistics from a survey of the speed of motorists at the curve on East Earl Road it has been determined there are no problems there.

Jason Riggle has been promoted from part time to a full time officer in the Police Department. Ben Toben will be hired as a part time officer. He graduated from the Delaware County Community College Police Academy.

During July the East Earl Police Department received 109 calls for service. It investigated 15 traffic accidents and conducted 30 criminal investigations. In Terre Hill Borough, the department answered 20 calls for service and conducted five criminal investigations. The department issued 89 citations.

The Road Crew replaced a 42 inch storm water drainage pipe under Weaverland Road. There has been a lot of earth grading. The work is about done, said Zimmerman. The road will be open by August 27.

Zoning Officer Shaun Seymour issued 22 permits during July. Building fees of $2650 were taken in. Two permits were renewed and 12 certificates of occupancy were issued. Repairs have been completed at the Eby Boarding House to make it accessible from the third floor.

Seymour will be filling the part time position as Zoning Officer one day each week at Terre Hill Borough.

Zimmerman said the Lancaster County Conservancy will build a parking area along Gault Road. The permitting process is under way.

The Conestoga Ridge Scenic Byway has to be certified by Lancaster County and the state, said Zimmerman. Lancaster County is creating a scenic byway along Route 741 in Southern Lancaster County.

Dan Pike has resigned from the Blue Ball Water & Sewer Authorities. Jerene Zimmerman was appointed to fill his unexpired term.

The 26 mile Garden Spot Village Marathon is scheduled for April 6, 2013.

“We appreciate your support,” said Scott Miller from Garden Spot Village.

He stated that the race has had participants from Jamaica and Japan and 35 states. They usually have about 1000 runners. Police support will be needed from about 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the areas of Stauffer Road, Sheep Hill Road and Wallace Road. Last year $36,000 was raised to benefit continued nursing care for people who run out of funds. The participants in the marathon also visit local motels and restaurants.

The Liberty Fire Department and Blue Ball Fire Departments are working together on common bylaws. The combined fire departments will be known as Garden Spot Fire Rescue. They are on track for January 1, 2013, said Paul Nolt. Shirk said the Goodville Fire Department is planning to merge with the Terre Hill Fire Department to form the Weaverland Valley Fire Department. They also plan to complete the work done by January 1, 2013.