MINUTES

East Amwell Township Environmental Commission

Business Meeting

March 24, 2008

7:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER: The March 24, 2008 Business Meeting of the East Amwell Township Environmental Commission was called to order by Vice-Chairperson, Mike Petrus at 7: 34 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: M. Petrus, T. Robbi, D. Sageser, A. Celebre, J. Angelone, S. Parsons,

B. Hummel, T. Martin, J. Corboy (Secretary)

ABSENT: D. Kellogg, F. Clair, L. Lewis, D. Holley,

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made this evening.

PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: February 25, 2008 – Businesss Meeting

The minutes of the February 25, 2008 business meeting were motioned for approval by D. Sageser, with a second from T. Robbi , and were approved with no changes/deletions/ additions. There were three abstentions.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

a. South Branch Watershed Association – membership renewal $150.00

This bill was motioned for approval by D. Sageser, and S. Parsons seconded the motion. All were in favor.

LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None received.

REPORTS;

a. Planning Board – D. Sageser informed members that the Rynearson application was reviewed at the last Planning Board meeting. He commented that all recommendations that were made by the Environmental Commission were agreed with and approved by the Planning Board, with his urging. The two houses will be served by the same cul-de-sac on Route 604. A partial waiver was given for a landscape architect. T. Martin had

East Amwell Township Environmental Commission Minutes

March 24, 2008

Page Two

comments/suggestions on the Rynearson application, questioning who did the environmental impact. D. Sageser stated that a waiver was obtained for environmental impact, and T. Martin asked how the Environmental Commission felt about this, and suggested that they should keep alert to the progression of this application.

b. Township Committee – T. Martin stated that the Township Committee is busy with budget discussions and possible cuts. Approximately $160,000 was cut from the Municipal budget by the State. Currently, gypsy moth spraying has been cancelled.

c. Recycling Committee – M. Petrus informed members that there were some preliminary discussions of moving the Depot Days site to the grit yard because of the locking gates, and traffic problems at certain times of the year. Also there were some discussions held about receiving actual credit for recyclables picked up in areas were two counties intersect. Secretary announced that just recently she received a letter informing us that we will be receiving the Clean Communities Grant this year. T. Robbi inquired about who actually attends the Depot Days and why do they use the Depot instead of just curb recycling. Other discussions followed on how to best encourage our residents to increase their recycling.

d Farmland/Open Space Preservation – T. Robbi reported that they will be sponsoring a Landowners Information Meeting on 3/31/08. Various vendors will be in attendance to provide information to any residents who might be considering preserving their lands.

e. Smart Growth – T. Robbi stated that he anticipates a draft Sourland Plan in approximately three months, incorporating the visioning data they have received over the last few months. He called attention to the recent newspaper articles on this topic.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

a. Solar Energy Update – A. Celebre stated that she has made numerous telephone calls to various State agencies and also to local contractors asking them to provide a presentation to the Township Committee.

Secretary read a written report from D. Kellogg, who was absent this evening: “Howard Fleischer of Advanced Solar Products gave a presentation at the 3/13/08 Township Committee Meeting. Howard updated the Township Committee on available funding and recommended a 10KW system for the school as a start.” M. Petrus was asked to contact the science teachers at East Amwell School to encourage their participation – a learning tool for the students. A. Celebre stated that she had an appropriate video that would be available for presentation at the school. Further discussions followed concerning solar power for hot water and current funding available. B. Hummel had questions about monies available and the lack of current funds. J. Angelone advised that S. Ernst is the new advisor for the Environmental Club at the School.

b. Website Update – L. Lewis was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received.

East Amwell Township Environmental Commission Meeting

March 24, 2008

Page Three

c. Retention Ponds at Clawson Park – Update – T. Robbi stated that they are moving ahead with the project. He shared a draft of a proposal done by Princeton Hydro, stating that there will be some changes made in it before it is sent to ANJEC to apply for a matching grant. A. Celebre stated that she also had a video on solar power for parks and public recreation areas. T. Robbi stated that an endorsement/resolution is needed from the Environmental Commission. Motion was made by D. Sageser and seconded by S. Parsons. Vote was unanimously in favor. Secretary will prepare the letter of endorsement by the end of the week.

d. Global Warming Initiatives – M. Petrus reported that he has attempted to contact the two youth members of the Recycling Committee and now that he has the name of the Environmental Club advisor, will attempt to contact her. He will try to arrange for a presentation using the video supplied by A. Celebre.

ADDITION TO AGENDA: Light pollution – M. Petrus brought up the topic of un-needed lights around the Township. T. Robbi informed members that there is a lighting ordinance but that there are no funds to enforce it. T. Martin asked if a short article might be sent to the VIP educating residents about proper lighting. Secretary informed members that a prior Chairperson of the Environmental Commission played an important role in writing and revising the current lighting ordinance and consulting about the soccer field lights.

e. Conservation Easements – S. Parsons distributed a copy of the application to ANJEC for a grant to fund the work on Conservation Easements. Presentation was made to the Township Committee on 3/13/08, and a resolution was granted and approved for $3,000. A letter of support has been received from the Farmland and Open Space Committee. She briefly went on to explain the basics of the preliminary work that will be done. Application has to be submitted by the March 31. T. Martin commended S. Parsons and D. Kellogg on the excellent presentation at the Township Committee Meeting. S. Parsons then stated that a letter of endorsement is needed from the Environmental Commission. T. Robbi made the motion and it was seconded by D. Sageser. The vote was unanimously in favor. Secretary will prepare the letter.

f. Public Outreach – L. Lewis was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received. M. Petrus suggested that we might request a larger table and set up at the 4-H Fair, since we will have more informational materials to distribute, i.e., conservation easements, etc.

APPLICATIONS FROM PLANNING BOARD & BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR REVIEW: None received.

T. Robbi stated that he attended the hearing on the Hunterdon County Storage application. The Zoning Board of Adjustment discussed the possibility of allowing two

East Amwell Township Environmental Commission Minutes

March 24, 2008

Page Four

floors to be built on some units and extending one unit in length. It was then determined that they needed a use variance. A motion to deny - failed; a motion to permit one additional unit – failed.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Gypsy Moth Update – F. Clair was absent this evening. Thus, no report was received.

As previously stated, because of the State budget cuts, East Amwell Township will

not participate in the gypsy moth spraying program.

CORRESPONDENCE: All correspondence was listed on the 3/24/08 agenda.

There were no additions to tonight’s agenda.

OPEN TO COMMISSION MEMBERS: M. Petrus inquired about this year’s study on road salt. T. Martin stated that very little road salt was used this year. T. Robbi suggested that baseline results be measured at this time – testing only the samples currently available. There probably will be no follow-up testing done this year. T. Robbi suggested contacting D. Kellogg and inquiring how she wanted to proceed.

B. Hummel expressed his gratitude to all for their assistance this year in obtaining volunteers for the Roadside Clean-Up Day. Brief discussion followed on different ways to obtain more volunteers. South Branch Watershed Association will be holding its River Clean-Up Day on the same date – April 19.

M. Petrus advised the Commission that he will be attending the ANJEC Environmental Commission Training Seminar on March 29, and will report back to members at the next meeting. S. Parsons stated that L. Lewis attended the New Jersey Conservation Foundation Workshop recently on conservation easements and will probably report back to our members at the next meeting.

Secretary read a written report received from D. Kellogg on the Stormwater Management Committee: “Met on 3/17. Discussed Clawson Park Retention Basin proposal.”

East Amwell Township Environmental Commission Minutes

March 24, 2008

Page Five

OPEN TO PUBLIC: NONE PRESENT

ADJOURNMENT: 8:50 PM - Motion for adjournment was received from T. Robbi and S. Parsons 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