Trail Clearing Debate Heats up at Upper Saucon Board of Supervisors Meeting

Whether the damage done in previous years by trucks while clearing snow at Upper Saucon Park warranted a change in clearing tactics was the major topic of discussion at Monday’s Upper Saucon Board of Supervisors meeting.

The trails, which are part of the Upper Saucon park system, have been cleared in previous years using trucks to plow snow. The clearing method, while effective, was not without problems, namely the damage trucks have done to the trail system.

“The trails are pretty old,” said board chairman Miro Gutzmirtl via conference call from Florida. “Some of the deterioration is from age, but some is from snow removal.”

Three options for snow removal were presented to the board, using a walk-behind snow blower, continuing to use the pickup truck method, or not clearing the trails at all. Of the three options, chairman Gutzmirtl preferred to not clear the trails. “I don’t see a clear option that efficiently removes snow for people to use [the trail]. Option three [not clearing the snow] is good because we leave the trails alone.”

Gutzmirtl had additional suggestions for uncleared trails, like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing for residents. “We could advertise the alternative uses to the community. It gives residents more options for trail usage.”

Several board members disagreed with Gutzmirtl. “Option three just doesn’t make sense,” said vice-chair Stephen Wagner. “[Not clearing the trails] doesn’t serve the public.”

Safety for residents who use the cleared trails as an alternative to uncleared sidewalks was also an issue for Wagner. “I see residents walking on back roads because the snow forces them into the street. The back roads of Upper Saucon Township are treacherous, and [without snow removal] people will have nowhere to go.”

The board discussed a future purchase of a light, multi-purpose vehicle that could have year-round applications but must wait till the end of the year to reassess the budget.

In the end, the board decided that the matter should be sent back to the Municipal and Sewage Treatment Authority for a decision.

The meeting wasn’t all trails and snow. Also on the agenda, a brief appeal to the board by an Upper Saucon couple concerning an ongoing zoning issue. During public comment, John and Kathleen Deschu spoke to the board about a deck they built attached to their home, which was not in compliance with the townships zoning laws at the time. Reading from a letter written to the board, John Deschu said, “We desired to build a deck off our home. We come to you as citizens, and hope to put an end to our year-and-a-half struggle with the zoning department. We didn’t know we weren’t in compliance at the time.” Kathleen Deschu agreed. “Fine us, $500 or something. Just finish it.”

But township manager Tom Beil had a different perspective on the matter. “The Deschus built the deck without obtaining a permit knowing they didn’t meet the code. This is a case of people knowing they’re doing the wrong thing and doing it anyway.”

Citing the length of the letter and the time limit placed on speakers, vice-chairman Stephen Wagner promised the Deschus more time to speak at a future meeting. “We will take the letter into consideration and invite you to come before one of our committees, but I feel we need our zoning official there as well.

The board also approved payment to Harris Gramm contractors for work on the Rail Trail, as well as awarding the water meters contract to Aquapro Supply. The board also regretfully accepted the resignation of Hans Wuerth from the Parks and Recreation commission as well as the resignation of Craig Roth from the Zoning Hearing board. Craig Roth was then appointed to the Parks and Recreation commission. Of the resignation of  Wuerth, Gutzmirtl said, “[ Wuerth] brought a lot of energy and ideas to the [parks and rec] committee. I hope he comes to work with the township in the future.”