MINUTES
East Amwell
Township Environmental Commission
Business Meeting
February 25, 2008
7:30 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: The February 25, 2008 Business Meeting of the
East Amwell Township Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson,
Dee Kellogg at 7: 35 PM.
In compliance with
the Open Public Meeting Act, D. Kellogg announced that this is the Regular
Business Meeting of the Environmental Commission, as published in the Hunterdon
County Democrat on February 7, 2008. A
copy of tonight’s agenda was filed with the Township Clerk and the Township Committee,
forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, and the Trenton Times Newspaper,
distributed to the various East Amwell Township Committees and Boards, and was
posted on the Township Bulletin Board.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: D.
Kellogg, L. Lewis, T. Robbi, M. Petrus, D. Sageser,
S. Parsons, J. Corboy (Secretary)
ABSENT: F. Clair, A. Celebre, J.
Angelone, D. Holley, B. Hummel, T. Martin
ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made this evening.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: January 28, 2008 – Reorganization Meeting
The minutes of the January 28, 2008 Reorganization meeting were motioned for approval by S. Parsons, with a second from D. Sageser, and were approved with no changes/deletions/ additions. There were no abstentions.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS:
None presented.
LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
REPORTS;
a. Planning Board – D. Sageser informed members that at the last Planning Board meeting there was a interesting presentation by F. Banisch and the Sourland Smart Growth group, on Smart Growth and supplying information on their website. There was an informal discussion/presentation by The Ridge at Back Brook. They are looking to install a heliport and to build overnight accommodations. Planning Board also had a further discussion of their Goals for 2008. No formal applications were received.
East
Amwell Township Environmental Commission Minutes
February 25, 2008
Page Two
b. Township Committee – T. Martin was absent. Thus, no report was received.
c. Recycling Committee – M. Petrus informed members that the February Recycling Committee meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.
d Farmland/Open Space Preservation – T. Robbi reported that they are assisting the Recreation Committee in searching for new active recreation locations. One site that is being considered is located next to the County Fair Grounds area. It is actually located
in West Amwell Township.
e. Smart Growth – T. Robbi had nothing new to report this evening,. However, he did remind members of the e-mail message he received today and that he did forward it onto all members. It urged all to visit the PPGIS webpage, and share your vision and input about “Saving the Sourlands.”
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Solar Energy Update – A. Celebre was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received. M. Petrus reminded members about the clipping that was enclosed with tonight’s agenda.
b. Website Update – L. Lewis stated that the website is up-to-date, and she had nothing new to report. The last article from the VIP, entitled “Notes from the Woods” has been put on the website.
c. Retention Ponds at Clawson Park – Update – T. Robbi stated that they have run into stormwater regulation issues concerning retention areas at Clawson Park. Engineering costs that were not expected may now hold up this project. Environmental Commission has not budgeted any amounts for this purpose. Current basin does not meet the engineering specs. D. Kellogg is now a new member of the Stormwater Regulations Committee and she tried to explain their objections to this project. The Park has drainage problems currently and further work/re-grading may be needed before a retention area can be considered and planted. T. Robbi suggested that there should be a Clawson Park Coordinating Committee, with perhaps a volunteer from interested groups, such as the Township Committee, Environmental Commission, Stormwater Regulations, Road Crew, etc. D. Kellogg stated that she will take this suggestion back to the Stormwater Regulations Committee.
d. Global Warming Initiatives – M. Petrus reported that he has not contacted East Amwell School about sending student representation to our meetings. However, he promised to do so for future meetings.
e. Conservation Easements – S. Parsons stated that their sub-committee has met and are currently working on the ANJEC Grant application. She reported receiving great input from the Farmland and Open Space Committee. The application will hopefully go before the Township Committee on March 13 for their approval. D. Kellogg stated that S. Parsons did a great deal of work gathering outside resources that we can borrow from for the proposal.
East
Amwell Township Environmental Commission Meeting
February 25, 2008
Page Three
f. Public Outreach – L. Lewis stated that she has not yet received any information/application for the 4-H Fair. She asked members to start searching for environmental questions that are kid-friendly that they could use with the game wheel.
M. Petrus volunteered She also suggested that a sign-up sheet be sent a little earlier this year so that more people have a chance to sign up for booth duty. D. Kellogg suggested that a letter be composed this coming month to be sent around to the different groups to request their assistance.
APPLICATIONS FROM PLANNING BOARD & BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR REVIEW:
a. Block 35.01, Lot 33.03 (Cifelli) – T. Robbi stated that this is an addendum to the report done back in November 2007. Applicant decided to come back with a proposal to rectify the work he did without permits/applications. T. Robbi explained the reasons behind comments made on this draft report. Members discussed and agreed. D. Sageser commented on the various vague restrictions found in the zoning ordinances. T. Robbi made the motion to accept this site review report. D. Sageser seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor. Secretary was asked to forward the report to M. Andrews/Board of Adjustment as quickly as possible.
b. Block 2, Lot 2 (Rynearson) - T. Robbi stated that this is a major sub-division – approximately 10 houses will be built – cluster zoning style. Detention basins will be utilized and report suggests that these be planted with native wet meadow grasses to better filter runoff waters. Members discussed and it was suggested that Best Management Practices be followed. Members also discussed if it were possible to see future reports on this development. L. Lewis had questions about easements both conservation and drainage. It was suggested that the Environmental Commission strongly encourages the developer to pursue environmentally friendly drainage options. Waivers that were listed on the plot plan were discussed and it was suggested that addendums be added to the original draft report. L. Lewis made the motion to approve this site review report with addendums added this evening. S. Parsons seconded the motion and all approved. T. Robbi will make the changes and forward the report directly to M. Andrews.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Gypsy Moth Update – F. Clair was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received.
b. 2008 Goals – Members reviewed the 2008 goals as revised at last month’s meeting. T. Robbi made the motion to accept the 2008 Goals as presented. M. Petrus seconded the motion and all were in favor. Secretary will distribute to all boards and committees.
East Amwell Township Environmental
Commission Minutes
February
25, 2008
Page Four
c. Call for Spring Newsletter Articles – J. Corboy reminded members that it is now time to think about articles needed for the 2008 Spring Newsletter. Articles should be received by this secretary by March 21 – disk and hard copy would be appreciated.
CORRESPONDENCE: All correspondence was listed on the 2/25/08
agenda. Additions were listed
previously in these minutes.
OPEN TO COMMISSION MEMBERS: L. Lewis had a question about where to purchase native plants. T. Robbi informed members that the South Branch Watershed will be holding a spring plant sale, as will Delaware Riverkeeper at Prall’s Mill. Native plants can also be purchased at Bowman’s Hill in Pennsylvania.
T. Robbi also
reminded members that FOSPC will hold an Open Forum Meeting on March 31 where
any perspective landowners who are interested in preserving their farmland
should attend. Representatives will be
present from many different sources.
OPEN TO PUBLIC: NONE PRESENT
ADJOURNMENT: 8:45
PM - Motion for adjournment was received from S. Parsons and M. Petrus seconded
the motion. All were in favor.
___________________________________
Joyce S. Corboy, Secretary
cc: Env. Com. Members Board of Adjustment Board of Health
Twp. Com. & Clerk Democrat Newspaper Recreation Com.
Twp. Bulletin Brd. Trenton Times Recycling Com.
Planning Board Associate Members Agric. Adv. Com.
Farmland & Open Space Preservation