Minutes
February 11, 2003

The February 11, 2003 meeting of the Swarthmore EAC convened at 7:05 PM in Borough Hall. In attendance were David Hart, Susan Kelly, Lora Lavin, Jeanette Richardson, Chris Hanson, Brian Clark, and Richard Shimko. Jeanette brought homemade cookies still warm from the oven.

Minutes from the last meeting were approved.

Old Business:
Little Crum Creek Wetlands Project:
Brian, Sue and Jeff Jabco met with Ecologist Beth Svenson to discuss plantings for the Wetlands Project. Beth reported that soil at the site was wetter than expected. From the previous list submitted by Beth only the American Elm was eliminated. Planting will be accomplished in two phases. Initial phase will plant 200 trees primarily along the outer boundaries of the "wetland". A minimum of eight teams of two persons will be required for 5 hours. Second phase will plant 7000 herbaceous/fern and 600 bush/shrub. Bush/shrubs will be limited to the fringe area of wetland. At least twelve teams of two will be needed for 4 hours.

Planned dates and times:
Phase 1 - March 29, 10:00 to 3. Rain date March 30
Phase 2 - April 27, 12:30 to 4:30. Rain date May 3

Prior to the work the ground should be marked to indicate the project area. Any mowing should also be done before the planting. Invasives can be removed on the day of the planting. New plants will be delivered to the Arboretum. Help will be needed in the morning to move plants to Little Crum Creek. Signs and an ad in the Swarthmorean will be used to promote the events. Possible volunteers from the Boy Scouts, Scott Arboretum, Street Tree Committee and Swarthmore College (students). Is there money in the grant to pay for refreshments and other supplies?

Delaware County GIS Project:
Jane Billings talked with Jim Taylor about providing info on undeveloped and subdividable lots for inclusion on GIS map. Jane does not want to show flood prone areas since designation may have adverse effect on someone's homeowner's insurance. The Borough is already contracting to have stormwater and sanitary systems mapped and will arrange for the engineer to provide the county with info in GIS compatible format. Jeanette talked with Mary Ann Jeavons for input on historically important sites. Jeanette will provide Mary Ann with a copy of our GIS map to mark up with relevant information.

Stormwater Inlet Marking:
Lora discussed her investigation into stormwater inlet markings. Generally two different types: disc with glue, and stencil. Jane is holding off on enacting the project until stormwater system mapping is completed and hopes to use local scouts for marking work.

New Business:
Jane has asked the EAC to assist with some of the aspects of complying with the upcoming NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) stormwater permitting requirements. NPDES is a Federal effort that arose from the Clean Water Act. Permitting calls for a five-year plan to develop and implement a public education program. Richard agreed to check out available information on the PADEP website. Potential tie-ins were discussed for future EAC projects.

Jim Taylor sent word of a meeting with Art McGarity, Paul Horna (Springfield EAC) and John Sutton (NP EAC) to discuss a grant application that will address local sites in need of stormwater management. Project will initially target Springfield and lead to the development of plans to mitigate runoff. A similar model could then be used in Swarthmore and Nether Providence.

With input from Swarthmore EAC members, Lora has filled out much of an environmental questionnaire sent by the Pennsylvania EAC. Lora will include a listing of all projects we have been involved in since our inception. Eventually information will get posted on the EAC website.

An Eagle Scout has approached Jane about a dog waste project he hopes to carry out in Swarthmore. Plan is to install approximately 10 poles with waste bags and adjacent receptacles to make it easier for owners to clean up after their dogs. EAC will determine locations. Cuzzy will assist with maintenance of "waste stations" and keep supplied with bags.

Jeanette reported on the formation of a new committee to deal with the development of the Rutgers Ave. school grounds. Proposed members will be from Borough Council, SRA, WS School Board, District Athletic Department, and from the neighborhood. Jeanette encouraged the EAC to also participate. Meetings will start in March.

It was noted that the Seymour property at 84 Yale Ave. was listed for sale in last Sunday's Inquirer for $599,900. Property borders Little Crum Creek across Yale from LCC Park and has potential for subdivision.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Chris Hanson, acting secretary.