|
 |
The Danbury Township Board of Trustees met in special session on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Danbury Township Hall beginning at 7:00pm. President Charles B. Scott called the meeting order, with Mr. Scott, Mr. David M. Hirt and Ms. Dianne Rozak in attendance. Also, present Fiscal Officer Shelley Seamon.
Visitors attending were Rita Mahler, Matt & Matthew Seamon, John Englebeck, Jodi Kopanski, Lisa Bruno, Richard Krajcer, Kathy Radabaugh, Margret Lenthe, Cheryl Harner of the Ohio Ornithological Society, and Conservation Director Rob Karin of the Black Swamp Conservancy.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore the opportunity proposed by the Black Swamp Conservancy to acquire additional land to extended Meadowbrook Marsh for preservation of the wildlife and nature.
Rob Krain, Conservation Director of the Black Swamp Conservancy as well as Ohio Ornithological Society member Cheryl Harner gave presentations regarding how their organizations as well as others would assist to raise funds to purchase about 72 acres of water/land property, which is adjacent to Meadowbrook Park.
Mr. Krain provided a presentation regarding how the Black Swamp Conservancy could assist the Township with purchase of additional property for preservation purposes. Mr. Krain estimated the value of the property at $485,000.00, because grants require matching funds Mr. Krain said the Township would pay about $120,000.00 if the match were 25%.
Ohio Ornithological Society member, Cheryl Harner provided a presentation regarding the recent event sponsored by the Midwest Birding Symposium, which visited Meadowbrook earlier in September. Ms. Harner spoke about the species of birds and butterflies that are present at Meadowbrook. Ms. Harner also spoke of the importance to acquire the additional land to insure the Township had control to protect the estuary, viewscape, as well as farmland runoff.
Visitors in favor or opposed to the Township acquiring the property inter acted with the Trustees for approximately 45 minutes.
A variety of favorable opinions were voiced to acquire the property which included the amount of people the birding event brought to the area in which local businesses benefited.
Those voicing opposition were concerned with the need and if the Township should be purchasing additional property when general fund revenues were being cut.
As a result of questions proposed about if the trails could be installed to access the area for observational purposes, Mr. Krain explained that the Black Swamp Conservancy would retain a conservation easement to insure the land is preserved in its natural state, but the construction of boardwalk trails was a possibility.
Richard Krajcer was present and explained that he and family have owned this property many years and choose not to develop it. Mr. Krajcer said that he and his family wanted the land to remain undeveloped, as the westside of the marsh has been preserved. Mr. Krajcer also said if the Township intended to construct boardwalks, he might decide not to sell the property.
At the conclusion of discussion, Ms. Rozak moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
The only official public record of Danbury Township is the paper file(s) located at Danbury Township Hall. The official approved copy of township minutes including attachments and references is available for review or purchase. Contact the Township Fiscal Officer at (419) 732-3039 or via e-mail fiscalofficer@danburytownship.com to make arrangements for record review or purchase.
|
|
