Minutes of the Environmental Commission
February 1, 2006
Members Present:
Blanche Hoffman, Chair; Wayne Farmer; Owen Henry; Racquel Almeida-Khodash; Chris Flynn-Rozanski- High School Representative
Members Absent:
Perry Simone,Vice Chair; George Millett; Deborah Marquez; Linda Hardy; Gary Szelc
Guest:
Mrs. Ann Miller, president, Historical Commission: Liaison to Old Bridge Environmental Commission
Kristine Goulick - student observer - Middlesex College
1. Approval of January 11, 2006 Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as presented made by Blanche Hoffman, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.
2. Bills Outstanding
No bills to date.
3. ANJEC Funding Opportunity - Smart Growth Planning Assistance Grant
Blanche Hoffman is to set meeting for February 7 with Ellen Ritchie.
Wayne Farmer and Deborah Marquez not only to discuss the grant deadline, which is March 31, 2006, but also the formation of a Conservation Club as well.
Blanche Hoffman would like to have further discussions on Greenway Linkage, ANJEC Smart Growth matching grant, and an Old Bridge Conservation Club.
4. Middlesex County Conservation Club
In the absence of George Millett, this item will be tabled for further discussion.
5. Old Bridge Conservation Club
In the absence of Deborah Marques and Chris Flynn-Rozanski (high school representative), this item will be tabled for further discussion.
6. Middlesex County 2006 Schedule - Hazardous Waste Drop-off
Blanche Hoffman handed out schedule of drop-off locations.
7. Earth Day Planning - April 22, 2006
The OBEC will continue to work with Cheesequake Park and will provide hamburgers and water.
Blanche Hoffman will order T-shirts, and asked for a motion to approve payment not to exceed $500.00. Wayne Farmer so moved, Owen Henry seconded, all in favor.
8. EPA Region 2 - Nomination for 2006 Environmental Quality Award
Blanche Hoffman recommended nominating Greg Remaud - NY/NJ Baykeeper. All in attendance agreed. Wayne Farmer will obtain background information from Mr. Remaud. Deadline for nominations is March 6.
9. Leadership in Energy Design
Blanche Hoffman referred to press release announcing the Township of Cranford setting guidelines for all new public buildings to ensure they are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The Township will create an ordinance setting Leadership in Energy Design standards for all new municipal buildings and existing structures. The measure encourages the installation of such things as energy-saving windows and floors, along with environmentally sensitive construction practices and materials.
Blanche will speak with Mike Jacobs to see if Old Bridge can adopt a similar ordinance.
10. Planning and Zoning
66-03Z and 57-05Z - Alfieri
Applications will be heard on February 2
108-05P - Block 14266, Lot 9.11
The OBEC will send a memo to the Zoning Board with concerns regarding the number of trees being removed and being replaced with approximately less than half of inferior trees in size and quality. The lots can be developed to preserve some of the existing large specimen trees, and would be appreciated by the prospective homeowners. There is a negative impact on the east side of Higgins Road and must be addressed as it pertains to Lot 76.12, where all traffic will impact those residents. The OBEC reserves the right to make further comments.
8:45 p.m. - Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Owen Henry, seconded by Wayne Farmer, all in favor.
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