The Summerhill Township March Board of Supervisors meeting was held recently with Presiding Board members Duane Agnew and David Johns in attendance. Supervisor Bob Arendash was absent.

Secretary MaryAnn Goodrich took the minutes and there were three concerned citizens present.

The subject of a new "business" on Wing Road was brought up.

It would seem that it is of an adult nature, and the Supervisors said they had heard speculation about a massage parlor, though they made it clear that this was just speculation.

The citizens present said they saw some signs outside the driveway, and some jokes were bantered about the meeting room about the adult nature of the new business.

Agnew then went on to state that this area is zoned "Agricultural," and that owners would have to pursue a variance or a conditional use permit, should the owners wish to have a business there.

Until then, there will be a "Cease and Desist Order" filed against the owners, as a letter had been sent to them, with no response.

Now, a certified letter requiring a signature will be sent to them.

There are no Ordinances in ST pertaining to adult entertainment and as noted above, there is nothing to indicate that the business is nothing but a legitimate massage business.

The public took a moment to review the minutes from the February meeting.

Supervisor Duane Agnew asked if there were any questions on them before the motion carried to accept them.

For the Treasurer’s Report, there was a small discussion about taxes and discounts before the motion carried to accept this report.

Under Old Business, Solicitor Alan Shaddinger is to send another letter to a property owner concerning land allegedly purchased out on Rt 18.

The status of the property as having been sold is in question, as "for sale" signs are still posted there and some unattended motor vehicles are parked there.

Attorney Shaddinger, on another matter, has suggested to the ST Supers that Weight Limits be set on the bridges in the township, and that he can help them draw up an Ordinance pertaining to this issue.

Supervisor Agnew stated that he and David Johns will be comparing County Ordinances with what they would like to see for ST.

There is great concern about heavy, large equipment and trucks using the township roads and destroying them.

Bridges, such as Wing Road bridge, were also mentioned.

This pertains to the ongoing issue of Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling, and also to an ongoing issue concerning a builder of small, mini barns.

The Supers then proceeded to discuss some loans, along with rates and monthly payment plans.

These figures are available for review as a matter of public record, by appointment only, with the Secretary, MaryAnn Goodrich.

Also mentioned was the EADS weight limit study: EADS has given an estimate of $4,350.00 for this study. This falls within estimated parameters as discussed at the previous ST Board meeting.

For New Business, the flood damage in ST was brought up; major washouts were reported as ice clogged ditches and water flooded out on to roadways.

The Road Crew was doing all they could to alleviate the situation, but with heavy rainfall for days, this was very difficult to achieve.

The Supers reported that all roads are now open, though some with only one lane, and they will be filing Disaster Reports with FEMA, in an effort to obtain financial aid.

They wanted Secretary Goodrich to make a note in the minutes that a possible filing for a potential second flood disaster could be filed, as winter was not yet over.

At this time, the mandated Storm Water Maintenance Plan was discussed.

This is being enforced by the state, pertaining to all impervious structures having proper runoff of storm water.

Structures, buildings, parking lots and driveways from 1,000 sq. feet, up to 2,500 sq. feet, on up to 5,000 sq. feet will require permits and inspection.

Engineering reports will have to be filed and catch basins and trees must be installed and planted.

Supervisors are concerned that no building of new structures will occur, due to the high expense of permits.

This Ordinance also pertains to townships roads, as they are considered an impervious surface.

The township has the option to adopt the Ordinance that Crawford County has drawn, with some minor modifications.

The Ordinance must be advertised and adopted by April 6, 2011.

Townships are able to go together on a "group rate," for advertising this Ordinance.

At this time, the motion was made, seconded and carried, to accept the County’s Storm Water Maintenance Ordinance.

Citizens should attend their local township Board meeting to stay informed on this very important issue.

The Supers and Secretary Goodrich discussed the possibility of setting up a website for ST.

Windstream has offered to help set up a website and Secretary Goodrich said she would like a township website, with information available for citizens.

She wanted to know what the Supervisors thought of this.

They said that if the offer of $15.00 per month would remain in effect for the duration of the website, then they would be agreeable.

A motion put on the floor was then carried unanimously, to explore this subject.

The issue concerning the Fisher Small Mini Barns business was brought up.

The owner has requested an extension on his Order to Comply and to plant some trees.

The motion to accept the request and grant the request carried unanimously.

For Supervisor Input, Supervisor Duane Agnew wanted to say a few words about the Young Farmers and Ranchers, a youth group that promotes farming and agriculture for young people, ages 18 to 35.

District 14 of YFR comprises Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties.

The YFR takes educational tours of local farms, networks with young people who like agriculture and also hosts guest speakers.

The organization’s goal is to educate and encourage young people in the area of ranching and farming.

The group held a meeting on March 26, 2011, at Lost Acres Farm in Conneautville, Pa, with hosts Pat and Erin Schmidt and included a tour of a maple sugar shack.

The group has requested use of the ST building and the Supers are eager to help.

They would like to see the building being used, especially for young people in our farming community.

This group is affiliated with the Pa. Farm Bureau, which offers things such as loans, insurance, health, dental and vision insurance services, rebates, savings on tires, batteries and twine, LifeLock Identity Protection, tax and payroll services and farm management services to its members.

For contact information on Young Farmers and Ranchers, see President Chris Pelc’s website at cpelc[at sign here]cesco.wildblue.

For information on the Pa. Farm Bureau, contact the PFB State Office at (717) 761-2740.

The Summerhill Township Supervisors meet every second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm.

The public is invited to attend.