MINUTES
TOMS RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 9, 2007
A Regular Meeting of the Toms River Township Environmental Commission was held on Monday, July 9, 2007 in the Sun Room of 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, Bill Suchodolski, Leonard Colica, Nancy Corlis, James Ellis, and David McKee (7:35). Also present was Kimberly Bauer, Administrative Clerk for the Division of Conservation.
Also present this evening was Sheila McMcVeigh.
Chairperson Larson stated that the Commission would be skipping to Old Business regarding Global Warming as that is the issue that Ms. McMcVeigh was present for this evening. A memorandum will be sent to the Mayor and Township Council regarding the Mayor’s Climate Protection Act. Comm. Ellis stated that he wants to make sure that the Commission does receive a response. Ms. McMcVeigh handed out a list entitled “Recommendations for Implementation of US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement”. The Commission reviewed this list and asked Ms. McVeigh questions to better inform them of what is requested from the Towns involved in this program.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Comm. Suchodolski and seconded by Comm. McKee to approve the minutes of March 12, 2007. All eligible members voted yes. Motion carried. Minutes approved.
A motion was made by Comm. Suchodolski and seconded by Comm. Ellis to approve the minutes of May 14, 2007 with the changes noted. All eligible members voted yes. Motion carried. Minutes approved (with changes).
A motion was made by Comm. Colica and seconded by Comm. Ellis to approve the minutes of June 11, 2007 with changes noted. All eligible members voted yes. Motion carried. Minutes approved (with changes).
CORRESPONDENCE
The Commission discussed the June 18th memorandum to the Mayor regarding the Clean Energy Conference in September. As of this date there was no response from the Mayor or the Administrator. Chairperson Larson will follow up on this memorandum as well as the memorandum dated June 20th regarding Riverwood Extension acquisitions.
Two educational newsletters were passed around to all Commissioners.
Chairperson Larson read an anonymous letter regarding environmental materials in a residential neighborhood. A business is being run out of someone’s home and the anonymous neighbor feels that this is a hazard to the neighborhood and all who live there. A copy of this letter was also sent to Housing & Property Maintenance. Comm. Colica suggested that a cover memo and the letter be forwarded to Zoning and Comm. McKee suggested copying the DEP. As the letter was sent to the Fire Bureau, Comm. Ellis suggested that they be contacted to see if they have responded. Comm. Colica stated that he would do a site inspection and follow up on the other letter recipients’ actions before the Commission moves forward with any action.
NEW BUSINESS
The Commission received an invitation from Linda Karch to participate in discussions regarding the Toms River Recreation Master Plan. Because of the schedule for public hearings, Chpsn. Larson sent an email to Commission members notifying them of the opportunity to participate, and she also sent a person letter to Ms. Karch recommending that a town-wide bike/pedestrian trail system be developed. Chairperson Larson suggested that Commissioners should submit their comments regarding support of bike trials in writing. Comm. McKee gave the Commission a report on the Recreation Master Plan public hearings and stated that there is a consultant putting the document together. Comm. McKee stated that only about 6 people showed up at the meeting, including himself, Comm. LaMana and Ms. Karch. The group discussed the Anchor Reef site and the old sewer plant on the barrier island. Comm. McKee suggested that the town build the Moose Lodge a new building and then utilize the existing Moose Lodge building for a kayaking launch and other aquatic activities. There will be a presentation in early fall regarding recommended revisions to the Recreation Master Plan. Comm. Colica suggested that Chairperson Larson discuss any recreation matters with Councilman Sevastakis as he is the council liaison for recreational matters in town. Chpsn. Larson advised she sent a copy of her recommendations to Councilman Sevastakis. matters in town.
Comm. McKee then stated that Comm. Falato was going to have shirts made for the Commission. These shirts would be worn at functions such as Founder’s Day and would not cost the Commissioners any money. The shirts will be supplied by a former student of Comm. Falato.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Chairperson Larson stated that she attended two Planning Board meetings and stated that there was a stack of new applications. The Commission reviewed these applications as they continued their discussions.
Comm. Colica stated that there are too many papers at the Planning Board meetings. He feels that there are too many copies of resolutions, minutes, etc. distributed to the members unnecessarily. He would like to start implementation of the Paper Reduction Act. Members agreed that this should be a goal for the Environmental Commission.
Comm. Suchodolski stated that the Commission should keep track of all development on Brookside Drive (Long Swam Creek Watershed). A recent project involved a “land swap” and the Environmental Commission did not become aware of the proposal until it was too late to submit comments. He recommended closer scrutiny of development projects and make sure that the Commission gets their comments in within the 45 days.
EDUCATION
Chairperson Larson thanked Comm. McKee, Comm. Corlis and Mrs. Bauer for helping in getting the Commission’s Web Site up and running. The site now has agendas and minutes posted. Commissioners Corlis and Suchodolski will work on a new picture for the Web Site. It was agreed that a picture of the Toms River would be a better choice.
Comm. Colica stated that he has the new email address for the Commission on Yahoo. The new address is TREC@Yahoo.com.
OLD BUSINESS
The Commission will meet early at the August meeting in order to discuss the Mission Statement.
It was noted that no final list has been given to Chairperson Larson regarding the goals. The goals were to be listed showing which ones have been accomplished within the past year and which ones are to be accomplished over the next year.
Chairperson Larson stated that she will be in touch with Mark Troncone regarding the Open Space Preservation Program. A response to a previous memorandum sent to Mr. Troncone’s office about the Riverwood Extension acquisition area is needed. The Environmental Commission would like to get this project moving forward again.
The State T & E Species Protection Program revisions have not been released by the DEP yet.
Chairperson Larson advised that she had the Environmental Commision’s comments to NJDEP regarding the proposed C-1 Reclassification of the Toms River reviewed by the Township Attorney prior to submitting the letter.
Comm. Colica stated that nothing has been resolved as it relates to the Woodlands Management Ordinance.
The ANJEC bill is still pending. Chairperson Larson sent an email to both Mrs. Bauer and Marianne Pero regarding this matter. Mrs. Bauer tried to get in touch with Mrs. Pero prior to this evening’s meeting and was unable to do so. Mrs. Bauer will find out what the status of the bill is for the next meeting.
The next meeting for the Coal Gasification Plant Citizens Advisory Panel will take place on July 23rd at 11:30 am in the Community Room in Town Hall. Another meeting will not be held until October 22nd.
The Commission requested the receipt of a report from the Township Consultant (Alaimo Engineering) regarding drinking water provided by United Water Company. Chairperson Larson will send a memorandum to the Council and Mayor asking for a status of this report. This report, commissioned about a year ago, is to include supply and safety issues in the water supply.
The Commission agreed to meet at 7:00 to discuss the mission statement and the regular meeting will begin at 7:30.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Bauer
Administrative Clerk
Conservation Office
FOR A COMPLETE RECORD OF THIS MEETING
PLEASE LISTEN TO TAPE RECORDING