June 9, 2025 REGULAR MEETING

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
August 11, 2025
Regular Meeting
In-Person/Zoom

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Dr. Lippencott, Dr. Mattes, Mr. Szabo, Mrs. Tracey, Ms. Coriston

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Branagan,

Chairperson Coriston called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with the statement that this meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. This was a regularly scheduled meeting of the Stillwater Township Environmental Commission. Regular meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey.

The flag was saluted and roll call was taken.

Minutes: Dr. Lippencott made a motion to approve the minutes of 5/12/25, seconded by Mr. Szabo.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Bills: Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the following bill, pending availability of funds, seconded by Dr. Lippencott:
Secretary: $274.00

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:10 p.m. There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:10 p.m.

Correspondence:
– NJDEP Application Notice: 901 Aspen Court, Block 310, Lot 17 for septic alteration

– Email 6/12/2025 from Tara Mezzanotte: Paulins Kill Wild and Scenic River Project Progress

Old Business:
Bicentennial Celebration Report (June 7, 2025): The Bicentennial Celebration was a success despite the rain during the parade and first part of the Veterans Memorial Park portion of the celebration. The EC commended all those involved in the lengthy planning and execution of such a large event.

40-Year Surface Water Quality Report (1984-2024):
The EC discussed the list of individuals and groups/organizations to invite to the report presentation to be provided by Dr. Lippencott on July 26th at the Community Center from 10-11 a.m. A rough guest list was drafted and members were asked to provide any additional names to Ms. Coriston no later than July 1st. Dr. Lippencott presented the MS-4 Primer made by a colleague as a great way to understand the MS-4 stormwater requirements without having to sift through all the materials put out by the State.

TREX Program Update: 
Ms. Coriston reported the school year ended with 700 pounds of plastic collected and weighed. She will continue to collect from town hall and store it over the summer until the new school year begins. The goal is 1,000 pounds by November to achieve this collection cycle’s goal.

Fishing Line Collection:
All line is to be cleaned of litter/leaves, hooks and lead sinkers. Lead sinkers are to be provided at the meeting for recycling.

New Business:
Stream Water Testing 2025:
Dr. Lippencott discussed the merits of stream water testing during the summer months for different parameters than the fall testing. He noted there is funding in the budget each year for the testing. The EC agreed to wait on making a decision until Mr. Branagan is present and can be part of the discussion.

Site Surveys:
Zoning Board Applications:
– Block 2501, Lot 27: McCain Lane
– Block 3804, Lot 5.03: West End Drive

Mrs. Tracey made a motion to accept the site surveys, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts.
Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Site Survey Form: Following a brief discussion, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to include the date of the inspection on the site survey forms, seconded by Dr. Lippencott.
Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Dr. Lippencott, yes, Dr. Mattes, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Environmental Commission Volunteer Recognition: 
– Ms. Coriston for the TREX program.

– Mr. Branaga/Mr. Szabo/Dr. Lippencott for the site survey inspections.

– The EC for their participation in the Bicentennial Celebration.

Endangered/Threatened Species Sightings:
None

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:25 p.m. There being no one else from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:25 p.m.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Dr. Lippencott
– Alison Kopsco of J. Caldwell and Associates provided an overview of the finalized Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. Discussion followed the presentation with a few corrections suggested by various Planning Board members. A resolution was approved to adopt the plan.

– The Master Plan Reexamination Report was reviewed and accepted by the Board.

– Alison Kopsco of J. Caldwell Associates provided an overview of the final Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) at a public hearing. The OSRP was approved by the Board with minor revisions.

– Autumn Sylvester, Sussex County Planner, provided an overview and explanation of the Cross Acceptance Response Template. Each section of the template was reviewed with certain modifications suggested by the Board. The Cross Acceptance Response Template was approved pending the modifications discussed.

– Future topics to be discussed by the Planning Board include: Air BNB ordinance and OSRP items that could work for the Fair Share Housing Plan.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings
– The Township Bicentennial Celebration was held on June 7, 2025, and although it rained the day went extremely well. The Historical Society did a wonderful job with the Main Street portion of the day; and the Recreation Commission did a great job at Veterans Memorial Park for the afternoon. The fireworks were amazing. Mayor Chammings thanked all those who worked so hard and participated in making the day a success, including the Historical Society, Recreation Commission, DPW and town hall staff.

– Fifteen township-owned properties will be offered for sale to contiguous property owners on 6/24/25 at 10 a.m. at the town hall. The list will be available on the township website.

– Mayor Chammings thanked Ms. Coriston for assisting with the plantings at the Community Center through the Stillwater School Citizen Scientist program. They look great.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Dr. Lippencott made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m., seconded by Mr. Szabo. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Wunder, Secretary