Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 12, 2005
Members Present:
Blanche Hoffman, Chair; Perry Simone, Vice Chair; Wayne Farmer; George Millett; Raquel Almeida-Khodash; Gary Szelc; Deborah Marquez, Chris Flynn-Rozanski- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Owen Henry; Linda Hardy
Blanche Hoffman opened the meeting by introducing the following new OBEC members:
Raquel Almedia-Khodash - Voting Member - 1/12/05 - 12/21/07
Deborah Marquez - Alternate - 1/12/05 - 12/31/05
Chris Flynn-Rozanski - High School Representative
Mayor James Phillips has reappointed Blanche Hoffman and Perry Simone for a three year term expiring December 31, 2007. Mayor Phillips designated Blanche Hoffman to serve as chairman of the Commission. Gary Szelc was reappointed as an alternate member of the Environmental Commission for a one year term expiring December 31, 2005.
1. Approval of December 1, 2004 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as presented made by Wayne Farmer, seconded by Perry Simone, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
No bills to date.
3. Office of Environmental Services Matching Grant
Blanche Hoffman reported the OBEC application was not approved due to incomplete submission. Blanche will contact Joseph Rogers, program coordinator of the ESP, in order to refile with the additional documentation.
4. Open Space Update
Mayor Phillips joined the meeting at which time he expressed that he would like the Environmental Commission to work with the Open Space Committee and the Historical Society on open space. He is considering the consolidation of the Open Space Committee with the Environmental Commission.
Blanche Hoffman requested Wayne Farmer to obtain a list of open space inventory in the Township as of December 31, 2004, as well as an open space map.
George Millett reported the State is going to start work on stopping the erosion at the beach in Laurence Harbor. George will contact Greg Remaud, NY.NJ Baykeeper to relay what is happening in the area.
5. LItter Clean-up Program
Perry Simone will contact Linda Hardy regarding correspondence to be sent to Assemblyman Thompson and Assemblyman Azzolina regarding the cleanup program.
Perry Simone handed out flyers on the recycling programs and the schedules for household batteries, tires, household hazardous waste, paint drop off program and consumer electronics drop off program.
6. Stormwater Management for Municipalities
Blanche Hoffman received from ANJEC a CD with presentations, sample fliers and background information to help the residents understand the importance of effective stormwater management as required by the new stormwater rules. Blanche strongly feels the planning, zoning and health departments should be involved in this endeavor.
7. Potential Recycling Center - Industrial Way & Route 35
Gerard Sherry, resident of Laurence Harbor, reported he received a meeting notice to the residents of Old Bridge to inform the community of what is to be developed on the site - a recycling center for construction material and debris. There is also consideration of an age restricted residential community. Mr. Sherry will report back to the OBEC with further information at the February meeting.
8. 2005 NJDEP Grant and Loan Program Catalogue
Blanche Hoffman will make available to the OBEC the grant and loan catalogue at the February meeting.
9. Planning and Zoning
106-04Z - Anthony Martinelli
The OBEC reviewed the proposed retail building use variance plan, however, with no accompanied site plans it is impossible to fully examine the application. Additional comments will be sent to the Zoning Board, however, the OBEC reserves the right to make further comments once a complete set of site plans are received by the Environmental Commission.
88-04Z - JB Limited
Tabled from the February meeting.
96-04P - Dunkin Donuts
Having reviewed the application, the OBEC is concerned with regard to the impact of the residents directly behind the site. The Commission is asking for increased buffering to the rear in order to assure the residents the new use will not have a negative effect on their property.
9:00 pm - Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Perry Simone, seconded by Blanche Hoffman, all in favor. |