MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

April 4 , 2001

* Indicates Absent Member
** Indicates Excused Absence

1. APPROVAL OF MARCH 7, 2001 MINUTES
   Correctionto the minutes - Gary Szelc excused. Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Robert Sommers, seconded by Blanche Hoffman. All in favor with Ernest Schmitz and Susan Knauf abstaining.
   
   
2. BILLS OUTSTANDING
   
   $554.00 for reduction of Greenway Maps - 200 copies plus disks. Motion to approve payment to Copy Craft was moved by Susan Knauf, seconded by Ernest Schmitz, all in favor.
   
   Reimbursement to Blanche Hoffman for $40.00 for the purchase of two books - Model Conservation Easement and Historic Preservation Easement 1996; and The Conservation Easement Handbook. Motion to approve payment moved by Ernest Schmitz, seconded by Susan Knauf, all in favor.
   
   Audubon Society Membership Renewal - $35.00. Motion to approve payment moved by Ernest Schmitz, seconded by Cindy Bell, all in favor.
   
   Blanche Hoffman asked for a motion to approve the purchase of file cabinets for the OBEC office, not to exceed $1,000. Robert Sommers moved, Cindy Bell seconded, Susan Knauf opposed, Ernest Schmitz abstained, so moved.
   
   
3. TIRES AND RECYCLING PROGRAM
   Cindy Bell reported the county is working with the Mosquito Commission for the dumping of tires. Trailers are being set up for residents to drop off used tires. Cindy reported as of April 14th the Old Bridge Paint Recycling Program will be held every second Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
   
   
4. ARBOR DAY PLAQUE
   Cindy Bell reported the plaque has been ordered. It was agreed by all that a Bradford Pear would be planted in front of the Public Works building.
   
   EARTH DAY
   Robert Sommers reported Earth Day would be held on April 21st from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM at Cheesequake State Park.
   
   
5. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK ACTIVITIES
   Robert Sommers reported Cheesequake Park now has a website at www.cheesequakestatepark.com. The Friends of Cheesequake Park has twenty-five members and are waiting for approval as a nonprofit organization.
   
   
6. CIBA (CPS)
   Ernest schmitz reported that CIBA has applied to the DEP for renewal of its groundwater discharge permit which expires on June 30, 2001. The only alteration in the permit conditions is replacement of the existing infiltration basin/injection well system with a larger infiltration trench. DEP advises that the site is no longer considered to be hazardous waste storage and treatment facility, and that all future hazardous waste activities are in accordance with the generator accumulation standards of 40 C.F.R. 262.34.

Blanche Hoffman, Robert Sommers, Jim Faczak, Al Glomoka (Superintendent of Cheesequake State Park), Wayne Farmer, and Greg Remaud of the NY/NJ Baykeeper went to the Sommer's property. The township wants to purchase the property to build a youth center. Blanche Hoffman reported 200 acres butts up to Global and goes out to the bay. The township owns the strip along the bay. It appears dirt bike riders who use the property stay along the trails. There is no evidence that they are abusing the property. However, there is evidence of dumping paint slags and remains of concrete building foundations. Robert Sommers reported there are stands of white cedars and there are two natural lakes. Greg Remaud would like to preserve the property as a passive recreation area.

Gary Szelc noted that lands are protected by conservation easements and the Greenway Corridor should be connected with Greenway parks. Blanche Hoffman will invite Sam Rizzo and Lindsey Malmstadt to attend the next OBEC meeting to discuss the Greenway program in the planning process.

Blanche Hoffman reported the grant for the GIS digitizing of the Towne Center has been approved in which the OBEC data will link up with township data/ Ernest Schmitz and Susan Knauf will write a scope for software needed.

Blanche Hoffman reported that the Middlesex County Urban Forestry has funding available for tree planting projects. A total of $15,000 is available for project grants. Proposals for the grant funding are to made by June 15th. Susan Knauf stated we should save the trees we already have and one way is by having a stronger enforcement of the Tree Ordinance.

REVIEW OF PLANNING AND ZONING

138-00P - AT&T Wireless

Owen Henry visited the site on Route 35 and reported the tower is not visible traveling south on 35. This is also an existing tower.

8-01P - Stella Construction

13-01Z - Russian Social Club

There is no environmental impact.

125-00Z - Double D Realty

10:00 PM - Motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Robert Sommers, seconded by Blanche Hoffman.

Township of Old Bridge
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Main Phone: 732-721-5600