By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The April 3 meeting of the East Marlborough Board of Supervisors started with the marking of a milestone for a 40-year employee of the township.

Dennis Mellinger, who started as a laborer for the roads department in 1977 and ended his career as township roadmaster, was recognized by board chairman Richard Hannum, who read a proclamation from Rep. Eric Roe thanking Mellinger for his long record of service. He will retire on March 17. Mellinger thanked the crews who have worked with him over the years as the audience and the board applauded him.

During public comment, Shelley Mentzer presented the board with information about Pennsylvania Act 172, which spells out tax incentives for those who volunteer as emergency workers. The act has been adopted by several local townships. Hannum thanked her for the information and said the board will study the proposal.

Representatives from the Tough Mudder run, slated May 20 and 21 at Willowdale, presented their plans for the two-day event to the board. There will be an overnight component to the race this year, with a projected 700 participants running in shifts during the night. About 8,500 participants are expected on Saturday, and about 2,000 on Sunday. Traffic monitoring and security have been established, and the organizers said the timing of their event will not conflict with the After Prom at Unionville High School, which is scheduled the same night. The board approved the road closures.

A discussion of tree removal at a home construction site stretched over an hour. The property, at 416 Locust Lane, is fully wooded. Rodderick Harrison presented his plan, which involves removing a stand of about 45 trees to fit in the house and driveway, including the removal of two specimen trees, which are larger than 36 inches in diameter. The two trees are in failing condition, but the board ended up requesting an outside arborist give a professional opinion on them. If the trees are deemed a hazard, the builder will not be required to replace them with 12 new trees planted either at the site or elsewhere in the township. Hannum said the board will move quickly to get the appraisal and let Harrison know, so that he can start tree removal and construction at the site.

In other business, the board quickly granted permission for a company to sell fireworks in a tent on the Walmart parking lot on Route 1 for 10 days, ending by July 7. A representative of the company thanked the board and said that if any non-profit groups wanted to team up for a fundraiser sale of fireworks, the company is seeking such a group.

A collection of rules and regulations for the new Unionville Park was brought up for approval, but board member Eddie Caudill and others requested more time to review the rules before deciding. The rules will be voted on at next month's meeting.

For more information on township events, visit www.eastmarlborough.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].