MINUTES
TOMS RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 11, 2007
A Regular Meeting of the Toms River Township Environmental Commission was held on Monday, June 11, 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 Chairperson, Janet Larson at approximately 7:30 pm.
The following members of the Commission were present: Janet Larson, Leonard Colica, Nancy Corlis, Patricia Croisier, James Ellis, Michael LaMana, Dee Falato and David McKee. Also present was Kimberly Bauer, Administrative Clerk for the Division of Conservation.
MINUTES
Mrs. Bauer stated she has been unable to do any of the minutes, but will have them for the next meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
It was noted that Jay Latshaw stopped at the Environmental Commission booth on Founder’s Day and informed the members present at the booth of how rain water can be collected and reused.
Chairperson Larson stated that the Asbury Park Press recently had a conservation handout that had the reuse of rain water included in it. Comm. LaMana stated that PNC Bank may have information regarding this as they have several “green” buildings in this area. Chairperson Larson will contact Mr. Ridgeway to determine how the Commission can assist.
The Clean Energy Conference will take place at the Hyatt in New Brunswick on September 27th and 28th. Chairperson Larson will send a memo to the Mayor and Administrator urging the town to send a representative in preparation for a more aggressive global warming control program.
A letter was received from Allison Hayes of Geographic Magic regarding her consulting serviced for GIS. The Commission questioned whether or not the tax maps were on the computer in Town Hall. Comm. LaMana stated that he would talk to Jay Lynch and find out which maps are on the computer and if anyone in town is continuing this work. Comm. Colica stated that TRMUA has a GIS system and that the Township is working on an agreement to utilize their system.
It was stated that Lighthouse Center which was a camp for the blind in Waretown on the Bay will soon be a residential environmental education center.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
NEW BUSINESS
Chairperson Larson stated that she received phone calls and emails regarding Bayside Park in the Ortley Beach section of town. This park was described as a small park surrounded by wetlands and environmental habitats. The park is a mess and in disrepair. The Township wanted to install boat ramps and observation decks. Commissioners McKee and Falato are both against the installation of the ramps and decks, but they want the area cleaned up. Comm. Falato stated there were some high school students in the area that wanted to put together a project setting up environmental education trails and that maybe the Commission or the town can form a partnership with this group. Comm. Falato suggested that the Commission wait until the school year starts again and invite them to their meeting in November to report on the student projects.
The Commission discussed the Anchor Reef property (Route 37 and the Bay). It was stated that there is a group that proposed bringing in State money which would require the approval of the Ocean County Board of Freeholders. If this property is not developed by private developers it could possibly be used as a park for the residents of the Town.
A new sign for the Environmental Commission’s Founder’s Day booth is needed, Chairperson Larson stated that Comm. Suchodolski will take care of that for next year.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
The last Planning Board meeting was on June 6, 2007 and there was nothing the Environmental Commission would need to address. Chairperson Larson monitored the meeting.
The Commission questioned how Tree Waivers were handled by Comm. LaMana, also Township Forester. Comm. LaMana explained that he does not have the authority to grant any waivers and explained the process to the Commission and stated that he would be in touch with Jay Lynch, Township Planner, to discuss this matter as well as several others.
The Commission reviewed several applications for development and felt that none required a site inspection.
One of the Commissioners stated that a proposed “Green” Wal Mart was to be built in the area.
EDUCATION
The Commission discussed placing information onto the web site. Chairperson Larson will email an agenda to Mrs. Bauer which will then be sent to Bob Cassidy for placement on the web site.
Chairperson Larson thanked everyone for their help on Founder’s Day. It was noted that utilizing the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program display confused residents as to the Commission’s identity. This will need to be addressed before next year’s Founder’s Day celebration. Chairperson Larson stated that if the Commission is denied money for their lap top that she will request money for a table top display and the Commission can then design our own educational exhibit.
OLD BUSINESS
The Commission discussed the monitoring of conservation easements in Town. It was noted that it is very unclear as to who handles this. It was stated that Mr. Troncone, Dir. of the Dept. of Law and Community Development feels that the Township Forester should have an enforcement role in Town.
A CD from ANJEC titled, “Caring for Conservation Easements” has been received. Mrs. Bauer will keep the original in the office on file and download the information and email it to all members as well as Mark Troncone, Esq., Dir. Dept. of Law & Comm. Dev.
Chairperson Larson stated that she would like to draft a letter to the Mayor, Council and Attorney regarding the conservation of property north of Route 70 and west of Whitesville Road. The Commission then discussed the many conservation easements in town and stated that it would be easier if the Township owned all of the easements. All Commissioners agreed to have a letter sent to the Town regarding conservation easements and Comm. Colica will discuss this matter with Councilman Hill. Chairperson Larson and Comm. Ellis will draft a memorandum.
It was stated that there are new regulations being introduced pertaining to the State T&E Species Protection Act. The new rules support habitat preservation and more information regarding this issue will be available by the August meeting.
(9:05 pm – Commissioner LaMana left for the evening)
The Commission discussed their goals which were started in January of 2006. These goals will be posted on the web site. It was noted that several of the goals originally placed on the list have been achieved. There are many others that are being worked on. It was suggested that when the list is placed on the web site that the goals which were achieved within the past 12 months be noted as such so the public knows that the Commission is active.
The discussion of an Earth Day event for next year was also discussed. Comm. Falato stated that if the Commission decides on a specific event and lets the public be aware, people will attend. She also suggested getting the school children involved.
Chairperson Larson stated that the Annual Reports should be placed on the web site, the report will be emailed to Mrs. Bauer to be placed on the web site.
Comm. Colica stated that the Planning Board is expecting a report from Jay Lynch regarding the C-1 Reclassification of the Toms River. The Planning Board would then forward their recommendation to the Council. The next Planning Board meeting is June 20th and Comm. Colica suggested that the Commission do a recommendation to the Planning Board supporting approval of the reclassification. It was stated that Councilman Hill is not supporting the reclassification because this will restrict residents from utilizing their own property. All tributaries are included in the 300’ buffer rule. Some residents feel that this would affect too many properties. Chairperson Larson read the report and stated that she did not see where it would include an inordinate amount of land. Chairperson Larson advised that the proper protocol would be for the Commission to submit comments to NJDEP and copy the Planning Board and Council.
Comm. Colica stated that there was no meeting of the Water Resources Task Force.
The payment of the ANJEC bill is still pending as per Mrs. Bauer’s memorandum. This matter will be reported on at the next meeting. Chairperson Larson will follow up with the Law Department.
There are no new developments regarding the Coal Gasification Plant remediation.
Comm. Croisier asked if some of the members would be meeting a half hour prior to the scheduled meeting in July. It was stated that the members will be in touch via email regarding this matter. Discussion should address amended goals and final mission statement.
The US Mayors Climate Control Agreement will be under Old Business on the July agenda as the Mayor has signed on but hasn’t accomplished anything yet.
There are hearings regarding waste water management at the DEP on June 15 between 1pm and 5pm in Gloucester County, Morris County and Mercerville.
Chairperson Larson stated that the Master Plan is at the printer and should be arriving shortly and that there is a copy reserved for the Commission
The ANJEC Grant was no applied for.
The DOT is offering a non-vehicular transportation planning grant. This could consist of a town wide bike trail system and Chairperson Larson believes that this is still a possibility.
It was also stated that there are meetings being held as it regards to changes being made to the Woodlands Management Ordinance.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Bauer
Administrative Clerk
Conservation Office
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PLEASE LISTEN TO TAPE RECORDING