MINUTES
TOMS RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2007
A Regular Meeting of the Toms River Township Environmental Commission was held on Monday, December 10, 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 Vice Chairperson, William Suchodolski at approximately 7:30 pm.
The following members of the Commission were present: Bill Suchodolski, Leonard Colica, James Ellis and David McKee. Also present was Kimberly Bauer, Administrative Clerk for the Division of Conservation and Jay Lynch, PP, Township Planner.
Comm. Suchodolski stated that as Mr. Lynch was present for the discussion of the ANJEC Grant application that he would skip to #6, New Business.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Lynch stated last year he and Chairperson Larson had discussed the possibility of bicycle trails being the subject of the ANJEC Grant Application. Mr. Lynch stated that the trails would also fit into the Smart Growth Plan and the Environmental Commission could work together with the Planning Board, Department of Recreations and Toms River Schools.
Mr. Lynch stated that Chairperson Larson felt that a student working towards their Masters in Urban Planning could help layout the trails throughout the Township.
It was noted that residents would like to see trails along Hooper Avenue, Route 9 and Route 166. Mr. Lynch feels that these are difficult areas for a bicycle route due to the heavy traffic and lack of land. It was noted that Fischer Boulevard would also be a difficult area in which to have bicycle trails.
Comm. Suchodolski stated that the Commission should think about trails in Winding River Park as well as a trail along the river. Comm. Ellis stated that West Dover should be included in the plan and be connected to Winding River Park. It was noted that Route 37 and the Parkway would have to be considered for this plan.
Mr. Lynch stated that a draft application should be drawn up and discussed by the Commission.
The Commission then moved on to discussing the Barnegat Bay Estuary Grant Application. Comm. Suchodolski stated that the Commission submitted an application last year and it was turned down. He feels that the Commission should focus on Long Swamp Creek for this year’s application and that a kiosk with information regarding the creek should be placed in an easement along the creek that is frequently used by local residents. Comm. Suchodolski feels that the residents should be informed about the protection of the creek.
Comm. Ellis suggested that a kiosk be placed on the Seacourt Pavillion property and that this idea was brought up by Comm. Corlis at the Commission’s last meeting. It was stated that Seacourt Pavillion is private land and approvals would have to be obtained by the owner of this property. It was also stated that the property management firm for Seacourt Pavillion has been in contact with members of the Commission regarding the Purple Loosestrife on the property and would probably be amenable to any other project they would have on their property.
Comm. Suchodolski reviewed the proposed budget for either one of these applications. Mr. Lynch stated that he would have to meet with the Business Administrator to have any Township employee’s time added onto the budget.
Comm. Suchodolski stated that the Commission would discuss both of these before any application would be made.
At this time the Commission went back to item # 3, the approval of November minutes.
MINUTES
The Commissioner’s gave changes and amendments for the November minutes. Mrs. Bauer will make any changes and have them ready for the January meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Lynch stated that there is environmental mapping information available now and that the Commission should think about updating the NRI from 1974. Comm. Suchodolski stated that the Commission did discuss at one time the idea of updating the NRI with this grant money.
Comm. Ellis stated that there is land at North Pointe Hollow that the Township should consider taking over. Mr. Lynch has a meeting with the North Pointe Hollow regarding 20% of their units being affordable housing. Mr. Lynch will bring up this subject at that time.
Comm. Colica informed the Commission that there is a Landscaping Project Class on December 13th by ANJEC.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Comm. Colica reviewed the most recent Planning Board Agenda. It was noted that Toms River Crescent was a development for 120 affordable units that are not to be age restricted.
The Commission also discussed Brookside Development, a child care facility in the Snug Harbor Area of town as well as an application to the DEP regarding a Walgreens storage area.
EDUCATION
Comm. Corlis was not present at this meeting. She was attempting to have a Press Release regarding Ground Water Education.
OLD BUSINESS
The Commission discussed the use of Dimilin in gypsy moth spraying. Comm. Suchodolski stated that Jackson was backing out of the dimilin gypsy moth spraying. Residents of Jackson are upset because of the vegetation destruction. Comm. Colica suggested that the Township change their position on the spraying and Comm. Ellis suggested that they wait until the surveys are complete on the counting of the egg masses. The Commission will wait for all surveys to be complete and then discuss their position on this matter.
Groundwater Education program press release was discussed earlier as was the Barnegat Bay Mini Grant Program.
The Commission then discussed the development of undersized lot development on the barrier island. Mr. Lynch stated that he is presently working on the zoning codes on the barrier island and the Gilford Park Section of Town. The town feels that the codes should reflect what is actually present in these areas of town.
Comm. Ellis also brought up the fact that there is poor drainage on the barrier island and that the Township should consider having a storm water fund.
Comm. McVeigh was not present to discuss the Climate Protection Program.
The Commission discussed the possibility of having students from the local high schools and Ocean County College sitting in as temporary, non-voting members on the Commission.
It was also noted at this time that there students from Toms River High School North should be coming in January to make their presentations on Bay Side Park in Ortley Beach.
The Township is already working on the sharing of resources with the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority, particularly the GIS system. Mr. Lynch noted that Mr. Pitcher in Town Hall has been working on this as the Township needed this information for the upcoming census update.
Comm. Ellis stated that there was a meeting regarding Trust for Public Lands and that no one from the Town was present at this meeting. He stated that he was present at this meeting and will bring his notes to the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kimberly Bauer
Administrative Clerk
Conservation Office
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PLEASE LISTEN TO TAPE RECORDING