EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP
FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 11, 2008
Members
Present: Glorianne Robbi Chair
Richard Ginman Vice Chair
Pat Cregar Mayor Designee-Township Committee
Kat Cannelongo
Rob Gilbert
Liaisons
Present: Linda Lenox Planning Board & Ag Advisory
Toni Robbi Environmental Commission
Others
Present:
Judy Conard Administrator
Martha Pittore Secretary
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:35 p.m. by Chair, Glorianne Robbi.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH the Open Public Meetings Act, it was noted that this is a regular meeting of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee pursuant to the meeting notice published in the January 24, 2008 issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. On January 30, 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.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Motion was made by Dick Ginman to open the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously. Toni Robbi stated he is working with D & R on the Omick Property to remove invasive species and begin restoration of the dam. The Committee was glad to hear that work was going forward and thanked Mr. Robbi for his volunteer efforts. A motion was made by Pat Cregar to close the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JANUARY 14, 2008: FOSPC members recommended minor corrections. These changes will be incorporated into the original which will be filed and distributed. Motion was made by Rob Gilbert to approve the minutes, as amended, second by Dick Ginman and carried unanimously.
BILLS FOR APPROVAL:
Pat Cregar made a motion to approve the bills as listed on the agenda, second by Rob Gilbert. Motion carried unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:
Old Business: D & R update Dick Ginman
Recreation up Dick Ginman
Executive Session: Hay & Fisher survey bids.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORT & ACTIVE PROPERTIES UPDATE: In addition to the written report Judy reported on the following:
Helen Rynearson: David Newton is checking accuracy of property line near the road before finalizing the survey.
Barbara Hay: Upon review of the contract, Mrs. Hay’s attorney advised her to verify that building an indoor riding arena is a permitted agricultural use. Phone calls made to the SADC by Judy, Mrs. Hay and Attorney DeSapio’s office await reply.
Scibilia Greg & Dena: A detailed written summary was prepared explaining the issues surrounding the lot line change and septic system problem. Judy asked for direction from FOSPC on the next step to take. FOSPC believes that allowing a ‘jog’ in the 50 foot access would take the property out of compliance with zoning and reduce the value of the easements. A motion was made by Dick Ginman to determine the SADC response to a non-severable exception around the drainage field and if it meets with SADC approval under their rules, make this offer of solution to Mr. Scibilia. Second by Rob Gilbert. Motion carried unanimously. Judy asked to contact SADC and request a meeting with them.
Bryan Geils: At the meeting held with Judy and Dick previously, Mr. Geils agreed to escrow funds for an appraisal to obtain an indication of value. He agreed to choose a state approved appraiser who would provide values using both current and 1998 zoning. East Amwell would hire the appraiser in order in order to comply with SADC rules for appraisals eligible to determine the Certified Market Value (CMV) of a property. Mr. Geils would be reimbursed for the cost of the appraisal after closing of the easement. However, Mr. Geils, hired and paid the appraiser directly. He was advised this appraisal could not be used by SADC to determine CMV. He is still requesting EA pay any difference between easement value based on 1998 zoning and present zoning. He was advised that the Township would not pay any amount over the appraised value. In addition, the appraisal must be done using current SADC appraisal rules. The current rules require appraisals be based on zoning currently in place. FOSPC decided to await further word from Mr. Geils.
Hazel Harrison Trust: CADB application: Bill Millette continues to work on the mechanics of incorporating the four acre woodlot into the CADB application.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update D & R discussions: Dick stated Bill Rawlyk continues to work on appraisals for the Meszaros property. D & R continues efforts on various properties discussed in the past including Drift, Lang, Zelin, Stahl and property on Lindbergh Road.
Update on compiling a list of easements: Toni Robbi stated Suzanne Parsons from the Environmental Commission is working on a grant proposal to fund this project.
FOSPC Outreach Meeting, Monday March 31, 2008: Glorianne stated letters will be issued and phone calls made to specific landowners. Kat will write an article for the VIP announcing the ‘Farmland and Open Space Preservation Fair’. FOSPC agreed to invite the following individuals to make presentations:
· Margaret Waldock-Hunterdon Land Trust
· Catherine Drake-Green Acres
· Stephanie Miller or Heidi Winzinger- SADC
· Bill Millette-County
· Bill Rawlyk-D&R
· Lisa MacCollum-NJCF
· George Conard-ALT
Higgins Farm: Glorianne stated the $1 million dollars funding for the Higgins Farm requested by FOSPC was discussed at the Township Committee budget meeting. Dick stated Lisa MacCollum from NJCF advised him a site visit will be held in April. A strategy meeting to maximize funding opportunities is being planned by NJCF. FOSPC has asked to have representation at that meeting.
Recreation Update: Recreation Committee Chair Doug Paternoster and Vice-Chair Dennis Hajek discussed the additional land needed to expand recreation opportunities in the Township. They are looking for a small baseball field, a full size baseball field, basketball court, soccer fields and parking. Pat Cregar will to speak with Mayor Larry Tatsch about the Kohane property. Dick will speak with Parks Director, John Trontis regarding use of the parking area at the South County Park. Judy will check with Catherine Drake regarding funding for active recreation purposes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Review of procedure
to finalize Comprehensive Plan: Judy stated that after comments have been
received from SADC and the final draft is in place, a public hearing must be
held. SADC did not stipulate which
governing body should preside over the hearing. FOSPC decided it would be best to have the Township Committee
hold the public hearing.
REPORTS:
Green Table Meeting held January 18 attended by Dick and Glorianne: Glorianne stated that the County indicated funding for Open Space projects is limited and advised those interested in applying for funding do so immediately. Mr. Richardson presented the criteria for Open Space projects. The Higgins Farm meets the criteria listed. This could be helpful if NJCF requests County funds for the Higgins project.
SADC meeting held January 24: Glorianne stated the issue of severe grading and compaction of soils on the preserved farm owned by Garden State Growers in Franklin Township was the major topic of discussion. The SADC sent a committee to the site to look into the matter last week. They will file a full report on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Correspondence:
All items listed on the Agenda noted without further comments.
Announcements:
Executive Session: Tabled-Discussions to be held at a later date.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: A motion was made by Dick Ginman to open the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert 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 9:45 p.m. by motion of Dick Ginman, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.
NEXT MEETING is Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
Respectfully submitted:
Martha Pittore, Secretary
FOSPC