Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 7, 2004
Members Present:
Blanche D. Hoffman, Chair; Perry Simone, Vice Chair; Andrew Crabb; Wayne Farmer; Owen Henry; George Millett; Joseph Gurliaccio- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Gary Szelc;
1. Reorganization
Blanche Hoffman welcomed OBEC member George Millett for the term Jan. 1, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2005. Reappointment of Wayne Farmer (Jan. 1, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2006); Gary Szelc (Jan. 1, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2004); High School Representative Joseph Gurliaccio (Jan. 1, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2004).
2. Approval of November 5, 2003 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes moved by Andrew Crabb, seconded by Perry Simone, all in favor.
3. Bills Outstanding
ANJEC 2004 membership dues - motion to approve payment not to exceed $300.00 moved by Andrew Crabb, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.
Blanche Hoffman presented ANJEC's 2004 Road Show Workshops for the Commission members to review. The cost of the program is $200.00 which covers unlimited enrollment. Blanche suggested inviting planning, zoning and township council to participate.
4. GIS Mapping
Blanche Hoffman reported papers will be submitted for the $2,500 matching grant for ES 01-081 - Town Center District GIS Database Integration.
5. Miscellaneous
Wayne Farmer reported federal money is available to acquire 234 acres of the Sommers Property to annex Cheesequake Park.
Perry Simone distributed an article from Governor McGreevey announcing new rules that would ban most construction near rivers and streams. The regulations would be to establish a 300 foot buffer zone around designated waterways. Currently the only waterways protected in Middlesex County are fresh waters within Cheesequake Park, Hooks Creek Lake and Pigeon Swamp State Park in South Brunswick.
Blanche Hoffman will correspond with William Kruse indicating support of this action.
Joseph Gurliaccio is continuing his efforts to establish and Environmental Club in the high school. Blanche Hoffman will set up a meeting with Dr. Okun to see if the Board of Education can support having a teacher to oversee the club. It was suggested to Joseph to contact other high schools in the area who have these types of clubs and inquire how the started up and what their agendas are.
The Environmental Commission was approached by two township residents regarding an environmental problem at Seidlers Beach (also known as Margaret's Creek). Owen Henry made a site visit on November 8, 2003 and had observed several serious problems. The OBEC will send memo to Mayor Phillips regarding these abuses and ask the Township to address the problems immediately. The OBEC will ask to be kept up to date on their findings. Copies of memo will be sent to John Vincenti, Township Engineer; Rose-Marie Saracino, Clerk; and Robert Volkert, Ward 1 Councilman.
6. Goals for 2004
More input into Master Plan regarding buffers, berms, open space.
Protection of sensitive areas - wetlands, coastal areas, water resources.
Environmental education of the public.
Brochure/list of treasures of Old Bridge for Earth Day distribution.
Active promotion of Land Use Ordinances.
10:00 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting moved by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Andrew Crabb, all in favor.
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