Minutes of the Environmental Commission
January 11, 2006
Members Present:
Blanche Hoffman, Chair; Perry Simone,Vice Chair; Wayne Farmer; Owen Henry; Racquel Almeida-Khodash; George Millett; Deborah Marquez; Linda Hardy; Chris Flynn-Rozanski- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Gary Szelc
Guest:
Mrs. Ann Miller, president, Historical Commission: Liaison to Old Bridge Environmental Commission
1. Reorganization Meeting
Blanche Hoffman will remain as Chair, Perry Simone as Vice-Chair, Chris Flynn-Rozanski as High School Representative, for one year, Deborah Marquez will become a voting member, and Linda Hardy will fill as an alternate member. Deborah and Linda's switching responsibilities hinges on Linda Hardy submitting in writing to the Mayor a letter of such intent.
Blanche Hoffman reported the Township has hired Karen Longo as its Grant Writer.
2. Approval of November 2, 2005 and December 7, 2005 Minutes
Motion to approve the November 2, 2005 minutes as presented made by Wayne Farmer, seconded by George Millet, all in favor.
Motion to approved the December 7, 2005 minutes as presented made by Wayne Farmer, seconded by George Millet, with Blanche Hoffman and Perry Simone abstaining, all in favor.
3. Bills Outstanding
ANJEC 2006 Membership Dues - Motion to approve payment of $300.00 for seven members, one alternate and one associate made by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Perry Simone, all in favor.
4. Conservation Club
George Millet presented a release from the Office of David Crabiel, freeholder director, announcing the proposed creation of a Middlesex County Conservation Corps to protect and preserve the lands and natural areas acquired by the Middlesex County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. Their mission will be to protect and preserve natural areas from misuse, polluters, and the forces of nature.
5. Stormwater Management
George Millett had presented his summary of the Stormwater Management Plan of Old Bridge Township, which has been approved by the Planning Board, and will now go to the Township Council for its approval.
One important item to be noted is that the Township is required within two years of acceptance of the Municipal Stormwater Management Plan to enact ordinances and Master Plan modifications to comply with New Jersey Legislative standards regarding stormwater management.
6. Clean-up Strip Malls
George Millett pointed out that for commercial property the owner and the occupants are equally responsible for maintenance and liability. All persons are responsible to abide by all ordinances which prohibit littering, as well as placing or distributing of handbills in a manner which allows them to be blown away. Penalties will be imposed accordingly.
Blanche Hoffman will write to Mayor Phillips to lend support form the Environmental Commission in enforcing the litter ordinance, with copies to Police Chief Thomas Collow and Health Officer Sue Gross.
7. Waterfront Signs
Perry Simone will follow-up with Ralph Albanir on the status of the signage.
8. Conservation Club
Blanche Hoffman, Wayne Farmer, and Deborah Marquez have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Ellen Ritchie, but will try before the February OBEC meeting.
Chris Flynn-Rozanski had spoken to students of the High School Environmental Club and there is interest in participating. However, further information is needed as to how much training is involved, and whether community service will be credited.
Deborah Marquez will follow-up with Mayor Phillips regarding the County Conservation Corps versus an Old Bridge Conservation Corps.
9. Environmental Commission Projects for 2006
Blanche Hoffman presented ideas for the Commission to look into further - such as trail linkage (both public and private); incorporate a conservation element into the Master Plan; and update the Natural Resource Inventory, which has not been updated in a number of years.
The OBEC is expecting a packet from ANJEC regarding their 2006 Planning Grants, which provides matching grants of up to $20,000.
Wayne Farmer announced Earth Day will be held on April 22, 2006.
10. Williams Gas Pipeline
Blanche Hoffman will contact Dom Cicio of the Old Bridge Emergency Management, to discuss the pipeline which will be situated in environmentally sensitive areas. Blanche will write the Mayor on behalf of the OBEC to lend support in this matter.
11. Dupont Technologies
Modification of Hazardous Waste Facility Permit amending closure plan expires on January 22, 2006.
12. Planning and Zoning
66-03Z and 57-05Z - Alfieri - Application moved to January 19, 2006 Zoning Board Meeting.
105-05P - Crystal Homes - The OBEC has no comments at this time.
9:40 p.m. - Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Perry Simone, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.
|