Environmental Advisory Council

EAC August 19, 2025, Minutes Members in Attendance: Grant Alger, David Reidel, Dan Ford (via Zoom), Steve Nelson, Karen Graziano, Jason Wood, Kirstyn Gudknecht, Grant Rowe, Sustainability Coordinator, and Karyn Hyland, Planning and Zoning Director. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm. Approval of Minutes, July 15, 2025: The minutes were approved as submitted. EAC Comment on EPA Proposal to Rescind Endangerment Finding: Grant Rowe gave a brief overview of the history of the Endangerment Finding. Grant R. also shared the potential impacts of EPA’s recommendation to remove it. There was a discussion about whether to submit a comment in rebuttal to the EPA. Steve would like to issue a response and would like the Borough Council to do the same. Grant A. will check in with his contacts at the Doylestown Township EAC to see if they’re also issuing any comments. Grant R. shared a draft comment on EPA’s proposal. Grant A. offered edits for the response, suggesting that Grant R. update comment wording to “EPA is undermining the work of the Doylestown EAC.” Additionally, Grant A. wants Grant R. to add more references to specific comment areas. Grant A. made a motion for the EAC to submit Grant R.’s comment to the EPA with the edits made during the meeting, and a recommendation that the Borough Council submit a comment. Karen G. seconded the motion. Review of EAC Goals: Grant A. reviewed the specific goals of the EAC, including Earth Day events, adopting and implementing the DCAP, and finalizing the open areas index and action items for the borough's habitat enhancements in parks. EAC Budget Recommendations: The members discussed specific funding needs, such as money for Earth Day programming, outreach and educational materials, funds for the greenhouse gas inventory software, and a snack fund for volunteers doing community service, such as weed pulling. There are several larger capital and specialized projects. Dan has created a list of recommendations for Chapman and Veterans Memorial Park. The membership would like the Borough to set aside funds to fulfill some of the action items for these parks, as well as at Broad Commons. The EAC recommended that the Borough spend $8,000 on additional tree plantings in town and approximately $10,000 for a Complete Streets plan. Old/New Business: Grant R. provided the staff report. Of note, the Borough is finalizing the solar installation on Borough Hall, and promotion of the Lights Out program for the fall migration is underway. There is an Eagle Scout candidate who wants to install bat boxes at several different parks. Grant will have an update on the Green Points program at a future EAC meeting. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by: Erika Fellman Minutes Secretary