Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 8, 2003
Present:
Blanche D. Hoffman, Chair, Susan Knauf, Vice-chair, Owen Henry, Wayne Farmer, Andrew Crabb, Perry Simone
Absent:
Gary Szelc, Dr. Remi Oki, Joseph Gurliaccio
Blanche Hoffman welcomed new member Dr. Remi Oki who will serve as an Alternate, replacing Cindy Bell. Joseph Gurliaccio was introduced as the Old Bridge High School representative.
Blanche Hoffman announced Susan Knauf will serve another term as Vice-chair, and Owen Henry will serve another term as a voting member.
1. Approval of December 4, 2002 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes moved by Susan Knauf, seconded by Wayne Farmer, Dr. Oki abstaining, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
A. Great Swamp Watershed Association - Motion to approve payment of $13.00 for publication "Benefits of Open Space" moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Perry Simone, all in favor.
B. ANJEC Membership Dues 2003 - Motion to approve payment of $280.00 for membership dues for six members, 1 alternate and 1 associate, moved by Perry Simone, seconded by Owen Henry, all in favor.
C. ANJEC Environmental Commissions Handbook - Motion to approve purchase of two handbooks, not to exceed a total of $30.00 moved by Susan Knauf, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.
Discussion followed by Susan Knauf stating that reviewing Township plans not be a priority at OBEC meetings since plans are not always complete with impact statements. Susan would like to see memos sent to the Township Clerk, Planning and Zoning, and Township Engineer stating supporting documents need to be submitted with plans in order for comments to be made appropriately. Copies also will be sent to Mayor Cannon and Township Council.
Memo to Zoning will be sent as well asking for a liaison member to attend future OBEC meetings, if possible.
Susan Knauf motioned for approval to send correspondence, Perry Simone seconded, all in favor.
3. Open Space Task Force
Review of Draft 3.1 Open Space in Old Bridge - A Call for Action - Wayne Farmer reiterated that one of the task force goals is to see what is worth saving in the town.
Susan Knauf suggested holding an open forum at the library to educate the Township residents as it relates to open space.
Wayne Farmer suggests circulating Draft 3.1 to the Township Open Space Committee, Planning Board, Township Council and Mayor Cannon. Blanche Hoffman asked the OBEC members to have on hand for the February meeting ideas on how to implement the distribution to the above mentioned parties.
4. Environmental Issues for 2003
Wayne Farmer discussed how to focus the OBEC toward environmental issues in town especially when it concerns sprawl in the Township.
Susan Knauf suggested keeping a list of topics of environmental issues and work each item. Susan wants to see a mission statement with a goal to develop a policy of plans and procedures for sprawl in the Township.
In reviewing the section on Inventory of Open Lands, Susan Knauf noted that many of the open space inventory is undevelopable. The Oaks Project is a great concern because of the transportation and traffic problems that will arise.
On March 15, 2002 the OBEC sent a memo to Barbara York and Richard Zipp of the Township Transportation Committee congratulating the committee on their work to bring improved public transportation resources to Old Bridge Township. Copies of the memo will be sent to the OBEC members for review.
Blanche Hoffman noted three major concerns for the OBEC to consider for 2003 are regional planning, transportation and the Brunetti Development.
Susan Knauf suggests a letter be sent to the Township Engineer, John Vincenti, stating the commission would like to see the development of Greenways and be an advocate and proponent to engineer this.
Perry Simone presented an article from the News Transcript stating that the Marlboro Township's Environmental Commission is making plans for a township arboretum.
9:00 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Susan Knauf, all in favor.
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