EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES

JANUARY 14, 2008

Members

Present: Glorianne Robbi Chair

Richard Ginman Vice Chair

Pat Cregar Mayor Designee-Township Committee

Kat Cannelongo

Fred Gardner

Rob Gilbert

Megan Tomaro

Liaisons

Present: Linda Lenox Planning Board & Ag Advisory

Toni Robbi Environmental Commission

Others

Present: Andrea Bonette Township Resident

Judy Conard Administrator

Martha Pittore Secretary

IN COMPLIANCE WITH the Open Public Meetings Act, it was noted that this is the Re-organization meeting of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee pursuant to the re-organization meeting notice published in the December 20, 2007 issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. On January 9, 2008 notice of this meeting was filed in the Township Clerk’s Office, sent to the Hunterdon County Democrat and the agenda was posted on the bulletin board.

REORGANIZATION MEETING: Judy Conard chaired the Re-organization meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m..

Election of Chair: Rob Gilbert moved to nominate Glorianne Robbi for Chair, second by Dick Ginman. Motion carried unanimously.

Election of Vice Chair: Rob Gilbert moved to nominate Dick Ginman for Vice-Chair, second by Glorianne Robbi. Motion carried unanimously.

Determine date for regular meetings: FOSPC members agreed to keep the date of regular meetings on the second Monday of each month. Judy Conard stated she will send meeting notice to the Hunterdon County Democrat.

Glorianne Robbi chaired the regular meeting.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Motion was made by Dick Ginman to open the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously. Andrea Bonette asked if there is a brochure for public information on East Amwell’s horse management practices. Fred Gardner stated there is information being worked on for the Sourland Mountains, which must first be ratified by the Planning Board. Andrea was advised to check with Terri Stahl or Maria Andrews. A motion was made by Dick Ginman to close the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.

Glorianne Robbi thanked everyone for their help in the past and asked for continued assistance. Glorianne welcomed Fred Gardner to the Committee. Glorianne Robbi will prepare a letter thanking Mr. Dessell for his efforts on behalf of FOSPC.

MINUTES OF MEETING held December 10, 2007: FOSPC members recommended minor corrections. These changes will be incorporated into the original which will be filed and distributed. A Motion was made by Dick Ginman to approve the minutes, as amended, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.

BILLS FOR APPROVAL:

Dick Ginman made a motion to approve the bills as listed on the agenda, second by Pat Cregar. Motion carried unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:

New Business: Easement Study Dick Ginman

Pantel Property Sale Dick Ginman

2008 FOSPC Goals Glorianne Robbi

Goals for 2008: Glorianne Robbi stated goals were previously established in 2006. FOSPC reviewed the goals and adopted 2008 goals listed at the end of these minutes.

ADMINISTRATOR REPORT & ACTIVE PROPERTIES UPDATE:

Judy stated new rules have been instituted regarding e-mails, which are to be considered public record. A copy of all e-mails must be sent to Terri Stahl.

In addition to the written report Judy reported on the following:

• Perkovich: Judy stated she spoke with Mrs.Edward Perkovich regarding preservation of her property on Rynearson Rd. on behalf of the Agricultural Land Trust, (ALT) a new non-profit set up by the Farm Bureau. Mrs. Perkovich requested that ALT send them a letter with more information about ALT. The Perkovich farm has excellent soils and is contiguous to other preserved properties.
• Green Acres-Higgins Property: Judy stated Catherine Drake said applications for a new funding round would be accepted in April. Ms. Drake asked that FOSPC send a letter to Green Acres stating our intention to participate in the acquisition of the Higgins Property. Judy will send the letter to Ms. Drake next week.
• Hay & Fisher: Judy stated she will follow-up with County Counsel DeSapio’s office regarding signed contracts. As soon as they are received, surveys can proceed.
• Kanach, Estate of Lillian: Surveys were delivered to the CADB. Judy will check on status at next meeting with the County on January 16.
• Hazel Harrison Trust (PIG application): Mr. and Mrs. Leverton attended court on January 8, 2008 and they report the lawsuit is still not settled. A new court date was scheduled for sometime in February.
• Hazel Harrison Trust (CADB application): Judy stated she will continue to work with Bill Millett at the County level. The County must continue to work with the State to determine what procedure is needed to incorporate the added 4 acre woodlot into the original application.
• Isabella Property: Closed on January 11, 2008.
• Scibilia Greg & Dena: Judy stated a letter was issued on January 10^th to both appraisers asking if the value of the appraisals would change if the proposed 41 x 16’ ‘jog’ in the stem is allowed. A letter was also issued to the SADC asking for their input.
• Bryan Geils: Judy stated she and Dick Ginman met with Mr. Geils to discuss his PIG application. Mr. Geils agreed to escrow funds for one appraisal by a certified state appraiser to get an indication of value using both current and 1998 zoning. When the purchase of the easement closes, Mr. Geils would be reimbursed for this expense. Judy stated Mr. Geils has since requested via e-mail, that East Amwell pay any difference between the easement value based on 1998 zoning and present zoning. FOSPC members agreed that the Township Committee would probably not commit to any financial agreement based on ‘unknown number’. Judy was asked to invite Mr. Geils to meet again with FOSPC to discuss this further.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Update Meszaros property: Dick Ginman stated an offer was made by Mr. Meszaros to sell block 35.01, lot 39 and block 38, lot 21. Andrea Bonette stated that in addition to the money spent to clean up the tires, additional expense will be required to perform an environmental study to determine the extent of the cleanup needed. The State will not issue a ‘hold harmless’ letter to the Township until they have proof that all environmental issues have been addressed. Dick stated he will wait for appraisals and continue to work with Attorney Cushing on liability issues.

OLD BUSINESS:

Review of Comprehensive Farmland Plan and Circulation List: Judy Conard stated the Draft Plan was submitted to the SADC on December 17, 2007. She handed out the Draft Plan to FOSPC. Glorianne Robbi explained that the Guidelines submitted by the SADC were used as an outline to write the Draft. The different tasks were then assigned to herself, Judy and Dick. The Draft will be reviewed by the SADC. Within 60 days, SADC will make suggestions for the Final Draft. A public hearing must be held once the final draft is in place. Brief explanations were provided by Glorianne, Judy and Dick as to how the information was compiled. FOSPC members were asked to review the Plan in detail and recommend any changes or revisions to Judy.

NEW BUSINESS:

Easement Study List: Dick Ginman stated that a search of recorded deeds at the County is necessary in order to compile a list of conservation easements now in place in the Township. Dick suggested hiring someone using money from the Open Space Fund. Toni Robbi stated the Environmental Commission previously formed a Committee to work on a complete list of easements. He suggested Dick contact Suzanne Parsons, who is actively working on this project.

Pantel/Gordeuk: Dick Ginman noted that deed transfer published in the Democrat indicate that Mr. Pantel sold property on Rosement-Ringoes Road.

REPORTS:

• Meeting with Township Committee on January 10 to discuss Higgins Property: Glorianne Robbi reported that the meeting was very well attended by the public. The Township Committee was in favor of supporting the purchase of the Higgins property and agreed to discuss funding as part of the budget process. FOSPC discussed various strategies to interest additional funding partners.
• CADB meeting held on January 10: No report made.
• SADC meeting held December 6: Report made previously.
• Update D & R discussions: Dick stated he met with Bill Rawlyk from D&R Greenway Land Trust. Dick assured Bill that the Township will continue to support future D&R projects. The Township is currently working with D&R on the Meszaros, Handler and Zelin properties.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• Green Table meeting January 17, 2008. Glorianne Robbi and Dick Ginman will attend.
• All other items as listed on the Agenda noted without further comments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• CADB meeting on February 14, 2008
• SADC meeting on January 24, 2008

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: A motion was made by Rob Gilbert to open the meeting to the public, second by Dick Ginman and carried unanimously. No members of the public spoke. A motion was made by Rob Gilbert to close the meeting to the public, second by Kat Cannelongo and carried unanimously. .

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. by motion of Dick Ginman, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.

NEXT MEETING is Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.

Respectfully submitted:

Martha Pittore, Secretary

FOSPC

FOSPC GOALS FOR 2008

• Prepare annual report and map to township residents on status of farmland preservation.
• Target large farm parcels (50 acres+) for preservation.
• Continue open space acquisition efforts with non-profit partners prioritizing parcels that meet Green Acres requirements for reimbursement
• Exchange information,meet with representatives and attend meetings of the Preservation and Open Space Groups in West Amwell, Hopewell, Hillsborough and Montgomery.
• Plan a outreach meeting in March working with the Agriculture Advisory Committee. Linda Lenox and Kat Cannelongo agreed to help Judy Conard on this project.
• Complete SADC Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan after all suggestions are received.
• Review D&R Greenway Land Trust overall plans for preservation in the Sourland Mountain area.
• Continue work on acquisition of Meszaros Property
• Continue work on acquisition of the Higgins Property.