Minutes of the Environmental Commission
October 2, 2002
Present:
Blanch D. Hoffman, Susan Knauf, Andrew Crabb, Perry Simmone
Absent:
Owen Henry, Wayne Farmer, Cindy Bell, Gary Szelc
Guest: Scott Barnes - Teacher, Naturalist, NJ Audubon Society
1. Approval of September 4, 2002 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes moved by Andrew Crabb, seconded by Perry Simone, Susan Knauf abstained, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
Blanche Hoffman presented ANJEC seminar on Using hte Municpal Master Plan ant State Planning Process to Protect Local Resources to be held on November 13, 2002 @1$15 per person. Those intersetd in attending and approval of payment held over to the next OBEC meeting on November 6th.
3. Old Bridge Fair - October 5, 2002
Blanche Hoffman reported results of the Open Space survey will be made available for distribution in the February tax bill. Additional surveys will be available to residents at the fair. Susan Knauf suggested having a contest to design a new OBEC banner from the high school students of Old Bridge. Susan will coorespond with Dr. Okun to have student representation to the Environmental Commission.
4. Open Space Task Force
In Wayne Farmer's absence, Perry simone gave a summar on the Open Space Task Force meeting held on September 19th. The task force reviewed the first draft for the open space plan which was halfway completed and should be ready for reveiw by the Commission by the end of December.
Perry discussed how the state of Maryland's program for Open Space works which is when a person buys a house or land, a small percentage of the state real estate transfer tax goes into a special fund dedicated for open space programs. In this way, new buyuers help to improve the quality of neighborhoods and the entire state.
5. 2002 ESP (Environmental Services Program) Matching Grant
Blanche Hoffman will check ont he status of grant money that is available. OBEC members were asked if the Commission participates shoudl the grant be for an education program on the Greenways? Deadline for submission on the grant is December 2, 2002. This item is tabled for the November 5th OBEC meeting.
6. Announcements - October 18th ANJEC Conference
Blanche Hoffman, Wayne Farm and Gary Szelc will be in attendance.
Blanche Hoffman announed on October 24th a meeting on Sommers vs. Old Bridge will be eld. The state wants the property in part because it butts upt to Cheesequake Park.
The meeting was turne dover to Scott Barnes, Naturalist for the NJAudubon Society. Mr. Barnes will be conducting an outdoor seminar on October 11th at Whale Creek and Seidler Beach, Laurence Harbor. Participants will experience functioning natural systems and understand the important role in maintaining a healthy harbor estuary. Whale Creek is a good feeding habit for water shore birds and the flats and marshes should remain natural. Marquis Creek which includes Seidler Beach, has ample habitat, however this is an immediate need for debris cleanup.
Susan Knauf suggested Mr. Barnes Contact the local schools for future programs ie: NJ watersheds
7. Planning and Zoning
77-02Z Adam Souhib Afoud - held over for discussion at November 6th OBEC meeting.
64-02Z Ronald Betz - The OBEC had no comments at this time
114-01Z Russ Weber - The OBEC's position remains the same as indicated in memo dated June 5, 2002.
9:25 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Perry Simone, seconded by Andrew Crabb, all in favor.
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