MINUTES
TOMS RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 14, 2007
A Regular Meeting of the Toms River Township Environmental Commission was held on Monday, May 14, 2007 in the Sun Room in the Toms River Township Municipal Building, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ. The meeting was called to order by the Vice-Chairperson, Bill Suchodolski at approximately 7:30 pm.
The following members of the Commission were present: Janet Larson, Bill Suchodolski, Nancy Corlis, Patricia Croisier (8:30), James Ellis, David McKee, Michael LaMana and Dee Falato. Also present was Kimberly Bauer, Administrative Clerk for the Division of Conservation.
The guest present for this evening was Sheila McVeigh.
MINUTES
The meeting of April 16, 2007 was not held due to the lack of a quorum.
The minutes of January 8, 2007 and February 5, 2007 were both approved.
The minutes of March 12, 2007 were tabled until June for changes to be made.
CORRESPONDENCE
A disk entitled “Caring for Conservation Easements” was received from ANJEC. There is only one disk. Mrs. Bauer will download the disk and email it to all members.
Comm. Ellis will read the information on the disk and write a memorandum.
Chairperson Larson stated that she will be sending a memorandum to the Mayor and Administrator to request that funds be put in the budget for a lap top for the Environmental Commission.
A motion was made by Chairperson Larson and seconded by Comm. Suchodolski to request that the Township purchase 12 copies of the 5th Edition of Environmental Commissioners Guidebook.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sheila McVeigh stated that she spoke to Comm. Ellis as well as the Mayor regarding a Climate Control Program. At this time Brick Town is the town in this area that has signed on to this program. Mrs. McVeigh is trying to get all communities involved. After discussing this matter with the Mayor, the Mayor suggested that Mrs. McVeigh bring this matter up with the Commission and also consider becoming a member.
The program would require the Township of Toms River be able to provide a flex fuel, install LED street lights and also use alternative light bulbs in all Township owned buildings.
Comm. Ellis stated that the Council should also be made aware of this program and should meet with Mrs. McVeigh. Mrs. McVeigh believes the Mayor has already informed the Council of this program.
A motion was made by Comm. Suchodolski and seconded by Comm. Crosier to approve a resolution to be sent to the Mayor regarding this Climate Control Program.
Ms. McVeigh suggested visiting the Seattle.gov/Mayor website to obtain a sample resolution.
This matter will be placed on the agenda for June.
The choosing of a liaison will be discussed before the next meeting at an informal meeting of Commissioners.
Mr. McKee suggested that Toms River Schools be involved in the program also. It was stated that a consultant came in and informed the schools as to how they could save money by purchasing certain environmentally sensitive products.
Comm. Falato also stated that the Schools have received a grant to work in the parks in the area. There are 11 schools involved with this grant and Toms River received $7,000. Comm. Falato will inform all parties involved with this grant project of the Climate Control Program.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
The Commission discussed a minor subdivision application at 536 Lillie Road. No other properties were discussed at this time. No action required.
It was noted that the paperwork submitted for Wal Mart has two different addresses, one being Route 539 and Route 37.
EDUCATION
The progress of the Commission’s Web Page was discussed. Comm. Corlis stated that the Web Site is up and we should post finalized minutes and agendas on the site as well as a Mission Statement and Goals. Mrs. Bauer can email Bob Cassidy requesting he post all finalized minutes and agendas after they are emailed to her.
The Commission briefly discussed Founder’s Day and it was stated that everything has been taken care of for this day.
OLD BUSINESS
Open Space Preservation Program – no new developments.
Goals are to be finalized at the next meeting. Members will gather at 7:00 to discuss this matter.
Coal Gasification Plant remediation – between meetings at this time.
Comm. Colica, who is absent this evening, is handling the Water Resource Task Force.
Woodland Management Ordinance - it was stated that there have been several meetings regarding changes to be made.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairperson Larson stated she would like to contact the Assembly Office regarding the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund. All members agreed she should.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Bauer
Administrative Clerk
Conservation Office
FOR A COMPLETE RECORD OF THIS MEETING
PLEASE LISTEN TO TAPE RECORDING