Earth Day, Summer Activities Discussed by Collier Commissioners

Most of the topics discussed at the March 28 meeting of the Collier Township Board of Commissioners centered around parks and recreation in the area.

During the public comment time, Gail Neustadt inquired about renovations being done at Hilltop Park, noting it was on the agenda for the evening.

"It's a resolution for a DCNR (state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) grant for renovations at Hilltop Park," said Robert Schuler, president of the board of commissioners.

The commissioners indicated that the grant was to pay for a whole new road going into the park.

They also gave Neustadt an update on soil testing recently done. "No one will be able to build a home there," said Salvatore M. Sirabella, township manager. "It will continue to be used as a landfill."

Sirabella also announced the kickoff for the Collier Park renovation on April 9-10.

"We will be inviting all board members, professional staff and others," Sirabella said.

Commissioner Tim Young, himself a retired service member, suggested Sirabella invite retired military members in the community.

"We'll have other ceremonies there in the future," Sirabella said. "This first one just lets people know we're moving forward."

Sirabella added that summer concerts in the park are to be expanded to five, with one every three weeks, to be held at the pavilion at Collier Park.

"The first concert will be performed by West Hills Symphony," said board Vice President Kay Downey. "They are very good."

The board also discussed plans for Keep Collier Beautiful, in observance of Earth Day.

"We will be building on what we did last year and modifying it," Sirabella said.

Schuler expressed concern about littering on parts of Boyce Road, but the board agreed it was too dangerous a location for youth to pick up trash at the Earth Day event.

Also discussed at the meeting:

• Todd Meehan asked about what contractor was to be used for new sanitation lines. His concern was that last year there were issues with the contractor. 

• A discussion of hours to allow composting and leaf drop off.

• The award of a contract with Independent Enterprises in the amount of $844,275 for stormwater and grading at Collier Park.