EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES

MAY 11, 2009

Members

Present: Glorianne Robbi Chair

Richard Ginman Vice Chair

Rob Gilbert

Fred Gardner Alternate One and Planning Board Liaison

Liaisons

Present

Pat Cregar Township Committee

Toni Robbi Environmental Commission

Others

Present Judy Conard Administrator

Jenelle Ditzel Chair-Agricultural Advisory Committee

Martha Pittore Secretary

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Chair, Glorianne Robbi.

IN COMPLIANCE WITH the Open Public Meetings Act, it was noted that this is regular meeting of the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee pursuant to the meeting notice published in the February 19, 2009 issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat. On May 6, 2009 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 Rob Gilbert to open the meeting to the public, second by Dick Ginman. Mrs. Ditzel stated she is in the process of reviewing new manure management rules to protect water quality in order to comply with DEP regulations. A motion was made by Rob Gilbert to close to the public, second by Pat Cregar. Both motions carried.

MINUTES OF MEETING April 13, 2009. A Motion was made by Fred Gardner to approve the minutes, as written, second by Dick Ginman. Motion carried. Rob Gilbert and Pat Cregar abstained.

BILLS FOR APPROVAL:

A Motion was made by Rob Gilbert to approve the bills as listed on the agenda, second by Fred Gardner and carried.

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:

New Business:

• Annual Report
• Cat Tail Brook

ACTIVE PROPERTIES UPDATE/ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: In addition to the written report, Judy added:

· Rynearson: She will continue to provide progress reports to the State.

· Scibilia: A memo with updated information was sent to the Zoning Board of Adjustment per their request for their meeting to be held on May 12, 2009.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

· Report on Rewrite Group for Comprehensive Farmland Plan held April 29, 2009:

Judy stated she is waiting for revised sections from several FOSPC members. As soon as all the information is received, she will work on completing the plan

· Ballfields: Angelo Lovisa from the Recreation Committee spoke with Larry Tatsch regarding use of the Meszaros property for ball fields.

OLD BUSINESS:

· Report on discussion with CADB regarding list of “best practices” farms: Glorianne Robbi stated that the requested information was provided to CADB as part of the monthly in-person meeting with the County.

· Progress on Zuegner PIG application: Judy stated she has worked on the new application form with attachments. A site walk must be conducted and affidavit signed by the Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Judy will coordinate a site visit with all concerned parties.

NEW BUSINESS:

· Annual Report: Rob Gilbert agreed to work on FOSPC annual report which will be mailed to all landowners with the tax bill. FOSPC discussed items to include in the narrative part of the annual report.

· Cat Tail Brook Property owned by J. Wallin: Lot 54, Block 35: Judy said that Bill Rawlyk from D & R Greenway reported that D&R bought the property at the end of 2008. The East Amwell Township Committee previously approved cost sharing on the purchase for an amount not to exceed $15,000. (Please refer to Minutes dated November 10, 2008). D&R Greenway needs to request payment from East Amwell.

LIASON REPORTS:

· Planning Board: Fred Gardner stated additional discussions will be held at the next meeting regarding ‘constrained lands’

· Agricultural Advisory Board: Jenelle Ditzel stated she is looking for speakers for the Farm Forum which will be held in October. Possible topics of discussion may include equine and legal law; manure management and solar and wind power.

· Environmental Committee: No report was made.

· Historic Preservation: Martha Pittore stated Stephanie Stevens will make a presentation on researching of houses on May 17, 2009 at 3:00 p.m., at East Amwell municipal building.

REPORTS:

· Question Session held by SADC: Glorianne, Dick and Judy attended this meeting on May 5, 2009. They reported:

o The Hunterdon County option agreement requirement and the burden placed upon the municipality was discussed.

o Letter dated May 12, 2009 was sent to Stefanie Miller, SADC regarding FOSPC intention to submit municipal PIG applications to the County requesting usual 20% cost share for Zuegner and Thompson (if application is received from Thompson).

· SADC meeting held April 24, 2009: Glorianne reported that SADC certified the market value of the Hazel Harrison Trust CADB property as not changed after a non-severable exception was substituted for the original RDSO.

· May 2 roundtable on Organic and Local Farming: Glorianne stated the meeting was sponsored by ANJEC and held in Lambertville. Speakers included representatives from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Hunterdon Land Trust, and North Slope Farm. Nurseryman, Roger Locandro also made a presentation.

· Keep it Green seminar: Glorianne stated the information forum on the Garden State Preservation Trust was sponsored by NJ Audubon.

CORRESPONDENCE: All items listed under the Agenda noted without further comments.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• CADB meeting on Thursday May 14, 2009
• SADC meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2009

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Glorianne Robbi opened the meeting to the public. No members of the public were present. A motion was made by Dick Ginman to close to the public, second by Rob Gilbert. Motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. by motion of Fred Gardner, second by Pat Cregar. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the East Amwell Municipal Building.

Respectfully submitted:

Martha Pittore, Secretary

FOSPC