Minutes of the Environmental Commission
July 9, 2003
Members Present:
Blanche D. Hoffman, Chair; Owen Henry; Perry Simone; Joseph Gurliaccio- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Susan Knauf, Vice Chair; Wayne Farmer; Andrew Crabb;Gary Szelc; Dr. Remi Oki
Guest: John Reith - Forest Fire Control Technician
1. Approval of Minutes - June 4, 2003
Blanche Hoffman corrected second paragraph, item 4 to read as follows: Sam Rizzo is also looking into hiring a staff person to work on GIS. Motion to approve minutes as corrected moved by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Owen Henry, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
Blanche Hoffman presented sketch of the new Environmental Commission banner to be used at the Old Bridge Fair.
Blanche reported that $500 left over from the budget will be incorporated into the new budget for next year.
3. Open Space in Old Bridge
Blanche Hoffman reported contracted awarded to Mark Remsa, P.P., for the conservation and recreation plan element.
4. Open Space and Conservation Easement Workshop
Perry Simone gave a short report on the demonstration given on GIS. A speaker from the Delaware and Raritan Conservatory spoke on conservation easements as it pertained to building of docks on the Delaware River.
Blanche Hoffman stated that with GIS capability conservation easements can be better identified in Old Bridge.
5. High School Environmental Club
Joseph Gurliaccio will meet with the high school science supervisor in September to discuss what would be needed to start an Environmental Club. Joseph would like to have high school representation at the Old Bridge Fair. Joseph reported there has to be a teacher willing to participate in this after school club and, until that can be filled, he cannot go any further.
6. Global Landfill
Blanche Hoffman referred to the Global Landfill meeting of June 11, 2003 where John Reith, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Technician, was in attendance. Mr. Reith joined the OBEC meeting to describe how the prescribed burning in New Jersey's forests is applied, which is the skillful application of fire under exacting conditions of weather and fuel in a predetermined area for a specific purpose to achieve specific results. The primary purpose of the procedure is to reduce the hazardous accumulations of forest fuels. This aids in the prevention of wildfires, reduces the intensity of fires and also provides a foundation for safer and more effective fire suppression and production operations.
7. Burnt Fly Bog Cleanup
The plans to use Spring Valley Road for removal of contaminated soil from Burnt Fly Bog have been abandoned. Alayne Shepler was able to arrange to have Texas Road in Marlboro used instead.
8. Smart Growth - Discussion
Tabled for September OBEC meeting.
9. Nike Site - Discussion
One item in question is who is going to be responsible for the cleanup of the site? Blanche Hoffman reported an ordinance is before the Township Council and the OBEC believes a site disclosure should be made public before funds are expended.
10. Planning and Zoning
22-03P - The Crossing
Having reviewed the application, the OBEC's major concerns are that the pedestrians have safe access to municipal facilities, i.e., civic center, ice rink, tennis courts, and the library. The OBEC believes a traffic light should be installed at the ice rink entrance.
22-03Z - Kara Homes
No comments.
64-03Z - Crystal Homes
Having reviewed this application, the OBEC believes the creation of two non-conforming lots does not comply with the intent of the zoning ordinance and, therefore, should be denied.
93-00Z - Mario's Concrete & Paving
having reviewed the application, the OBEC would like to see indicated where the 54 proposed trees would be located. Overall, the OBEC comments have not changed from the previous memo of May 7, 2003, which was that due to the heavily traveled area on Bordentown Ave., there should be additional buffering.
60-03Z - Irving & Roseann Klubeck
No comments.
52-03Z - Rajeshkum Pandya
No comments.
9:45 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Owen Henry, seconded by Perry Simone, all in favor. |