EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP

FARMLAND AND OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

MINUTES

DECEMBER 8, 2008

Members

Present: Glorianne Robbi Chair

Richard Ginman Vice Chair

Fred Gardner

Rob Gilbert

Liaisons

Present Linda Lenox Planning Bd. & Ag. Advisory

Others

Present: Jane Lurhs Treasurer (arrived 9:00-left 9:45)

Bill Rawlyk D & R Greenway (left 9:00)

Larry Tatsch Mayor (left 9:45)

Lise Thompson Landowner (left 8:30)

Judy Conard Administrator

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 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 December 3, 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. Bill Rawlyk from D&R Greenway Land Trust discussed two projects.

Cider Mill Rd Property: Bill Rawlyk provided an update of property on Cider Mill Road, which was discussed at the last FOSPC meeting. (Please refer to minutes of meeting held September 8, 2008). He stated D&R Greenway received approval from the Duke Foundation for a portion of funding needed to purchase the preserved property fee simple. Lise Thompson provided a detailed explanation of her concepts of preservation to the committee. FOSPC advised the application with configuration and map must be filed by December 17, 2008. The severable lot she proposes would require the usual approval by the East Amwell Township Planning Board. Judy will check with the SADC regarding the logistics of such a shared project.

Meszaros: Mr. Rawlyk provided an update on the Meszaros Project. (Please refer to Minutes of May 12 & September 8, 2008). Larry Tatsch stated Township Engineer, Dennis O’Neal has clarified the information on the lots. Bill Rawlyk stated the appraisals can now be certified by Green Acres. A motion was made by Dick Ginman to close to the public, second by Rob Gilbert. Both motions carried unanimously.

MINUTES OF MEETING November 10, 2008. A Motion was made by Rob Gilbert to approve the minutes, as written, second by Dick Ginman and carried.

BILLS FOR APPROVAL:

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

ACTIVE PROPERTIES UPDATE/ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: In addition to the written report, Judy added the Scibilia matter is on the agenda for the ZBA meeting on 12/9/08. She will attend the meeting to provide an update to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS:

· Budget Review: The General & Capital Budget for 2009 was reviewed with Mayor Tatsch and CFO Jane Luhrs. Mrs. Luhrs and the Mayor explained that revenues would likely be lower in 2009. They expect a rigorous budget and approval process this year. The FOSPC budget was reviewed and requested funding discussed.

· Scibilia: Judy stated she is checking with David Newton to update the survey needed to perfect the lot line adjustment. The deed of easements still must be signed by Greg Scibilia.

· Zuegner: Judy stated appraisals have been received and were higher than the floor price offered by the County. After a brief discussion of the values, FOSPC asked Judy to speak with the Zuegners and suggest they proceed to negotiate with the County before signing the Option Letter..

· Proposed change by Planning Board to amend “Open Lands” provision: FOSPC briefly discussed Draft Planning Board Minutes dated October 8, 2008. Linda Lenox stated the detention basins will be included in the open lands calculations, but will be considered constrained land.

· Approve date of Reorganization Meeting for FOSPC: Judy stated she will not be available for the proposed January 12 meeting date. FOSPC members agreed to change the re-organization date to January 19, 2009. Judy will advise Terri Stahl of the date change to be included in the newspaper notification of all re-organization dates.

· Highlights of Freeholder policy on funding Open Space, Farmland and Recreation based on policy adopted by the Freeholders on 10/7/08. Judy handed out the policy. Glorianne Robbi stated Dick Ginman drafted a letter on behalf of the Mayor to Freeholder Matt Holt. The letter asked the Board to reconsider their earlier statement that no funding would be available for non-profits in 2009. The letter was signed and sent by the Mayor.

LIAISON REPORTS:

· Recreation Committee: Glorianne Robbi stated that Rob Mulcahy of the Recreation Committee acknowledged receipt of the letter from FOSPC urging they begin, with West Amwell Township, funding requests for their South County Park project as soon as possible. They will follow-up on this matter. (Please see FOSPC minutes 11/10/08)

· No other liaison reports were made.

.

REPORTS:

SADC meeting held December 4, 2008: Glorianne reported as follows:

· The Mount Farm in Mercer County was the first farm to receive funding approval through the County PIG program.

· CADB meeting held November 13, 2008: No report as made.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· CADB meeting on December 11, 2008 Judy Conard will attend.

· SADC meeting on January 22, 2009

· Township Committee Re-organization meeting scheduled for January 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: A motion was made by Dick Ginman to open the meeting to the public, second by Rob Gilbert. No members of the public were present. A motion was made to close to the public by Dick Ginman, second by Rob Gilbert; both motions carried unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. by motion of Fred Gardner, second by Rob Gilbert and carried unanimously.

NEXT MEETING is the REORGANIZATION MEETING to be held on Monday, January 19, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the East Amwell Municipal Building.

Respectfully submitted:

Martha Pittore, Secretary

FOSPC