Council approves memorandum on Robinson's Branch reservoir berm removal; residents seek details

Clark Township authorized the business administrator to execute a memorandum of agreement with Union County concerning removal of a berm adjacent to Robinson's Branch Reservoir during the council's consent-agenda vote on May 19. The action implements a county-led plan to build a walking path behind the police firing range that required removal of a portion of the berm.

At the meeting resident Julia Collins asked follow-up questions about where the berm removal would begin and end, whose property would be affected and whether the township or county would bear disposal costs for the excavated soil. Business Administrator Jim Ulrich responded that the berm is township property and that cost outcomes may vary depending on disposal location; he said in some cases the township could realize revenue from reclaimed material but that final cost and disposal details were not yet established. Ulrich also noted the county and the reservoir trust had requested the change because a walking path behind the firing range would otherwise be inconsistent with public use.

Why it matters: the berm forms part of land used historically for a police firing range and sits along the reservoir; changes could affect adjacent public safety uses and local access. Residents raised process questions because county engineering work on reservoir improvements is ongoing and an engineering request-for-proposals was recently issued by the county.

Next steps: Ulrich said the county is leading engineering work and the township will coordinate; the memorandum passed on the consent agenda and staff said final engineering plans and cost estimates will follow as the county advances the project.