Boy Scouts learn about government at Chestnuthill meeting
Members of Boy Scouts of America Troop 101 of Gilbert were special guests at the Chestnuthill Township supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday evening.
They were there to earn their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge. To earn this badge, they had to attend a meeting of their city, town or county council or school board and then discuss an issue where difference of opinions occurred.
Twelve-year-old Daniel Anderson said his favorite part of the meeting was “hearing about the old building being transformed into residential units.”
Anderson was referring to the discussion about Ross Blakeslee’s well isolation distance waiver request for 279 Greenview Drive, Saylorsburg.
“We are trying to fix an old building and make it nice,” Blakeslee said.
Blakeslee said a soil scientist had examined the ground around the well.
Blakeslee was hoping for a quick approval because “I am full steam ahead” with the building project.
The supervisors said a hydro study should be done too and voiced other reasons to hold off on making a rapid decision.
“I think we need to schedule a work session to get more information. This is not a denial, but rather we have to look at all options,” said Chairman Carl B. Gould II.
The supervisors motioned to table the waiver request until the work session is scheduled.
Harriet Barone, committee chairwoman of Troop 101, said the meeting was a great experience for the Scouts. There are 11 in the troop, ranging in age from 12 to 21.
“The supervisors use Parliamentary procedure nicely. I liked how they did votes, motions and opportunity from the floor to ask questions,” Barone said.
“They got to see how local government works and see the supervisors in action,” Barone said.
Before adjourning, Gould shared two key messages with the Scouts, “We would love to see you here more often. And if you’re ever part of a public meeting, be sure to ask questions.”
Scoutmaster Edward Schaefer and Lori Frantz, troop committee member, were there to support the troop as they earned the merit badge.
In other business
• Bull Dog Liquidators, a new business in the township, will host a grand opening at 10 a.m. May 18. It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, local choral groups and activities for children. Its address is 526 Marion Lane, Brodheadsville.
• A 5K9 Trail Run/Walk will be held at the Regional Park at 10 a.m. May 18 to benefit the new dog park opening later this year.
• Supervisors voted to release $27,000 in Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant money the township received to West End Parks and Open Space Commission for the dog park project.
