MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

July 11 , 2001

* Indicates Absent Member
** Indicates Excused Absence

Guest: Ernest Schmitz

Approval of June 6, 2001 Minutes. Motion to approve the minutes was moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Blanche Hoffman, all in favor.

Bills Outstanding - Raritan Office Supplies $484 for 4 drawer lateral legal file. Motion to approve payment was moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Robert Sommers, Susan Knauf abstained.

Proposed Town Center Greenway Parcel Mapping Project - Blanche Hoffman stated that George Koehler is working with Peter Moore of Kupper Associates in putting together the GIS data. Blanche will invite Mr. Moore, Sam Rizzo and George Koehler to the September meeting to discuss the Greenway GIs Preparation Proposal as submitted by George. Susan Knauf will edit the proposal and be responsible fro gathering together the necessary data for the mapping project.

Further discussion ensued by Blanche Hoffman that Arcview is an engineering tool not a planning tool. This will be discussed further with Sam Rizzo as he may have better insight into this.

Superfund Site - Biannual Status Report - No discussion.

Blanche Hoffman and Wayne Farmer did a field walk on the Warne Tract/Lambertson Farm and an environmental field study report was written and handed out to the OBEC members. The report indicated the abstract, location and description of the property as well as the survey of patch and methods of the property. A detailed summary on vegetation, mammals, birds and reptiles were also included.

Blanche Hoffman stressed the necessity of making Old Bridge a quality community. She suggested on taking an inventory of facilities within Old Bridge for recreation and preservation of Open Space. Susan Knauf stated that the Environmental Commission concentrate on protecting our open spaces and important natural resources. Thus, properties should be targeted for acquisition.

Wayne Farmer stated that a plan should be put in place as far as what has to be accomplished by Open Space. Susan Knauf suggests having a working meeting to achieve a rural characteristic for the Township. As stated, Old Bridge has crossroads with the Garden State Parkway, Cheesequake Park, the Duhernal Watershed, beachfront and Upland Pine Forests so much of this diversity is unique. The fact that 42 square miles of Upland Pine Barrens gives unique opportunity to provide a quality of life. Susan Knauf suggests that the first hour of the September OBEC meeting will be dedicated to seeing in words what exactly residents need to now and want out of the Township. The main focus is on Open Space and preserving the land and what is the community involvement. The point is that residents want more than what they are getting from living in Old Bridge.

Blanche Hoffman asked for motion to approve Wayne Farmer attending the Land Trust Alliance seminar with a registration fee of $25. Robert Sommers moved, seconded by Susan Knauf, all in favor.

8:55 pm - motion to adjourn the meeting was moved by Robert Sommers, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.

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