January 12, 2026 – Reorganization Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
January 12, 2026
Reorganization Meeting
In-Person/Zoom

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Branagan, Mrs. Emmetts, Dr. Mattes

Mrs. Wunder called the meeting to order at 7:00 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.

Member Appointments: 
Mrs. Tracey – Regular member, 3-year term to 12/31/2028
Dr. Mattes – Regular member, 3-year term to 12/31/2028

Chairperson:
Dr. Lippencott made a motion to elect Ms. Coriston as Chairperson 2026, seconded by Mr. Szabo. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Vice Chairperson:
Ms. Coriston made a motion to elect Dr. Mattes as Vice Chairperson for 2026, seconded by Dr. Lippencott. There being no further nominations, nominations were closed.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Secretary:
Ms. Coriston made a motion to appoint Mrs. Wunder as the Commission Secretary for 2026, seconded by Mr. Szabo.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Meeting Dates/Official Newspaper:
Mr. Szabo made a motion to approve the following meeting dates and official newspapers for 2026, seconded by Ms. Coriston.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Stillwater Township
Environmental Commission
Schedule of Meeting Dates 2026

The Stillwater Township Environmental Commission, County of Sussex, New Jersey will hold regular meetings on the second Monday of each month, unless it is a legal holiday or is otherwise noted, beginning at 7pm at the Municipal Building, 964 Stillwater Road, Middleville, New Jersey.

The in-person/Zoom meeting dates are as follows:
January 12, 2026 Reorganization/Regular
February 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
April 13, 2026
May 11, 2026
June 8, 2026
July 13, 2026
August 10, 2026
September 14, 2026
October 19, 2026 (3rd Monday)
November 9, 2026
December 14, 2026
January 11, 2027 Reorganization/Regular

Each meeting can be accessed via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976326681

The agenda for all meetings, more or less, is as follows:
Call to Order
Open Public Meetings Statement
Flag Salute
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
Bills
Public Input
Correspondence
Old Business
New Business
Public Input
Planning Board Liaison Report
Township Liaison Report
Adjournment

The Daily New Jersey Herald and Sunday Herald are hereby assigned as the official newspapers for legal publication for the Stillwater Township Environmental Commission.

At this point, Ms. Coriston resumed as Chairperson and the Regular Meeting commenced.

Minutes: Ms. Coriston made a motion to approve the minutes from the 11/10/2025 meeting, seconded by Dr. Lippencott.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Bills: Ms. Coriston made a motion to approve the following bill, pending availability of funds, seconded by Dr. Lippencott:
Secretary: $274.00
2026 ANJEC Membership (8 members): $525.00
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:12pm.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:12pm.

Correspondence: 
– Emails from Tara Mezzanotte providing updates on the Wild and Scenic River Program: 12/9/2025, 12/18/2025, & 12/22/2025
– Email from Ms. Coriston on 12/15/2025 regarding webinars:
Beech Leaf Disease (Rutgers Extension Forest Ecology and Morris County RCE)
NJ Nature-Based Solutions for Chaning Climate (NJ Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers)
– Email from Mayor Chammings on 12/29/2025 regarding the Sussex County Planning Board Meeting Notice about the Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Fredon). 1/20/2026 at 3pm via Zoom, link will be provided.
– Email from 1/2/2026 from Matt Trochim at AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassador Upper Delaware: request to appear before the EC
– Email from Tara Mezzanotte on 1/5/2026: request to appear before the EC
– TPD Inc. NJDEP Notice: SC Replacement of Bridge S-25 Swartswood Road over Swartswood Creek
– TPD Inc. NJDEP Notice: SC Replacement of Bridge S-26 Route 521 over Swartswood Creek

Old Business:
2025 EC Annual Report: Mrs. Emmetts
Mrs. Coriston made a motion to accept the 2025 EC Annual report to be forwarded to the Township Committee, seconded by Ms. Kral.
Roll Call Vote: Dr. Lippencott, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Ms. Kral, yes, Ms. Coriston, yes

Stillwater Township Environmental Commission
2025 Annual Report

During the course of 2025 the Stillwater Township Environmental Commission engaged in the following activities:
– Members met most months at the Municipal Building or via Zoom.
– Monofilament fishing lines were collected from various locations around the Township and recycled.
– A budget sheet was drawn up and adopted.
– Sightings of threatened and endangered species were recorded.
– Outstanding volunteers were recognized.
– Commission members attended various workshops and webinars.
– Members walked properties and reported their findings to the Planning and Zoning Boards.
– Maintained ANJEC membership.
– Members attended Coalition of Lake Association (COLA) meetings.
– Continued to meet with Christine Dunbar, Coordinator for the Paulins Kill River Watershed Commission.
– Resignations were accepted and new members were appointed to the commission.
– Members coordinated with the Stillwater School in a TREX Plastic Film collection program.
– Dr. Robert Lippencott was appointed to the commission.
– Dr. Lippencott completed a 40-Year Surface Water Quality Report, which was accepted by the Township.
– A program was held at the Community Center to introduce the Surface Water Quality Report to residents.
– Stillwater Environmental Commission received Honorable Mention at ANJEC Achievement Awards program.
– Stillwater Environmental Commission achievement inspires Knowlton to consider forming an Environmental Commission.
– Members attended ANJEC Environmental Congress.
– Randall Sprague, technical Advisor to SLWA, made a presentation to the commission on the association’s Swartswood Lake Water Management Plan.
– Commission members attended an Energy Audit Program for the local school’s 6th grade at the Community Center.
– The Commission wrote a letter to Swartswood State Park to express concerns of local residents about park operation.
– Plans made for stream water testing.
– Commission members took part in the Township’s Bicentennial Celebration.

Swartswood State Park draft letter: M. Coriston
This item was tabled as there may be administration changes in the State government in January that may affect who receives the letter. This item will be added to the February agenda.

Cellco Verizon Wireless (Fredon) December Meeting: L. Kral
Ms. Kral reported the meeting was lengthy and there was no time for her to ask any questions at the Fredon Land Use Board meeting during the hearing for the application.

40-Year Surface Water Quality Report (1984-2024): Dr. Lippencott
A discussion on follow-up testing will be held when Mr. Branagan is in attendance.

TREX Program Update: M. Coriston
Ms. Coriston reported over the four cycles (2022-2025) 3,252 pounds of plastic film have been collected. She is very proud of the school and the community’s efforts.

Fishing Line Collection:
Mr. Szabo reported the Paradise Fishing Club will hold their annual ice fishing contest, ice pending, on January 18th & 25th and February 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Be prepared for last minute changes due to ice safety.

New Business:
EC Discussion – Future guest speakers/presentations – forest/tree health, invasive species, etc. – draft list
Dr. Lippencott asked to keep this item on the agenda as the EC develops a list of guest speakers. The EC is still formulating the objective and forum. He spoke with Rich Kelsky who has contact that may be willing to speak about a program on forest health using GIS. Dr. Lippencott will follow up with Mr. Kelsky. He stated the plan is to obtain names of speakers and then finalize a list with the EC and determine what the EC would like to accomplish. Dr. Lippencott mentioned pulling in one or two very motivated high school or college students and providing them with the opportunity to access the experts.

Environmental Commission Volunteer Recognition: 
– Ms. Coriston for the TREX program and her husband for assistance with the collection.

– Mrs. Emmetss for the Annual report.

– Ms. Kral for her attending the Fredon Land Use Board Meeting.

Endangered/Threatened Species Sightings:
– Eagles (of special concern)
– Coyotes

At this point, Ms. Coriston reminded the Commission that when speaking at another board or public meeting members need to be mindful in distinguishing whether they are speaking as a member of the public or as a member of a board or commission. No member can speak at another public meeting on behalf of this Commission unless a discussion has been held and it has been agreed upon in advance by the EC that they may do so.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:46 p.m.

Ian Stocks, South Shore Terrace
Spoke of the Verizon Cell Tower application before the Fredon Land Use Board. The tower will be located in Fredon, about 400 feet from the Township line on a ridge where eagles are living and nesting. The tower will be 173 feet in height. Mr. Stocks expressed concern with the proposed moving windmill to be located at the top of the tower and felt it would pose a hazard to the eagles and at least 12 protected species of birds. Mrs. Tracey noted the applicant agreed they could alter the plan if necessary. Mr. Stocks asked the EC to consider asking the Fredon Land Use Board to request an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the applicant. He stated, to his knowledge, one has not been requested by that board. Ms. Coriston noted there is no Fredon Environmental Commission for our board to contact. She stated it is her understanding an EIS would generally be requested for this type of application. Ms. Chammings stated the County is addressing a road opening to access the side of the proposed project and an EIS may be requested for the access application if necessary but not for the actual site. Ms. Coriston stated this Commission does not have any power in Fredon but could decide as a Commission to send an email to inquire if the Land Use Board intends to request an EIS and if so, could they share that information with our board. A brief discussion was held on the windmill aspect of the application and Mr. Stocks stated the design is being proposed because the property is a horse farm. The EC felt the moving windmill was a concern for wildlife.

Kate Coyle, Elm Terrace
Stated the applicant indicated they can do an alternate design for the tower and they also stated they have only looked at one location for the project due to the large size of the property. There is no benefit to Fredon residents; only to Stillwater and she felt it was purposely located on the other side of ridge affecting Stillwater residents only. She questioned if the two municipalities could work together since it is located on the municipal boundary. No other area was even considered for placement of the tower and a moving windmill is absurd and would pose a hazard to eagles and bees. Emission studies have not been conducted on adult humans in 20 years and not on children at all. It is a danger to humans and harmful to animals. Mr. Stocks stated the ridge that follows along the river is a path for many migratory birds and that is a concern. A rendering of the windmill tower was shown to the EC. Mr. Szabo noted Ms. Coyle and Mr. Stocks are concerned with the height of the tower, the windmill, no EIS and the effect on wildlife. He asked if there was data on the lack of or need for service in the area. Ms. Coyle added another concern is the tower emissions and their effect on animal and plant life as well as the lake. This was brought up at the Land Use meeting and it was not even a consideration. There was no data provided on the effect to the horses on the property or with respect to the lack of service and inadequate 911 service. Ms. Coyle stated the FCC website indicates adequate coverage for Stillwater. Ms. Coyle asked if the EC could think of an alternate location or hub spots. She noted the current location is zoned agricultural and they are requesting many exceptions. Ms. Coriston stated her husband is employed for Verizon, though not in the cell tower respect, and she noted coverage maps are very specific to be triangulated and spaced a certain way. Rural areas need to construct towers to be tall enough to contact each other and cell phone communications are a line of sight. Mr. Szabo asked if they have considered contacting the fire department in Fredon to see if the cell tower will improve communication effectiveness. Ms. Kral noted the main purpose of the project is for Stillwater so it would be the Stillwater Fire Department that would need to be contacted. Ms. Coyle stated no specific data was provided on any issues with our emergency communications. Dr. Lippencott asked if the Audubon Society or Nature Conservancy have been contacted. Ms. Coyle stated there is a small group of residents working together and they are seeking expert assistance. She reiterated that she felt the tower was placed on the border on purpose and does not affect Fredon only Stillwater. Ms. Coriston stated correspondence would be sent to the Fredon Land Use Board stating concerns have been expressed by residents to the EC, and the EC would like to ask the Land Use Board to consider requesting an EIS on the animal and human impacts of the proposed cell tower; and if an EIS is completed could a copy be shared with the Stillwater EC. The EC agreed. Ms. Coyle and Mr. Stocks thanked the EC. Ms. Coyle stated the tower would adversely affect the community. Ms. Kral added the applicant presented an option to make the tower a pole eliminating the lattice and windmill.

There being no further members from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:19pm.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Dr. Lippencott
The December meeting was canceled.

Township Committee Liaison Report: Committeewoman Chammings
– Reorganization meeting was held on 1/6/2026. The Mayor is now Vera Rumsey, the Deputy Mayor is Dawn Delaney.

– Liaisons will be chosen at the January 20th meeting.

– Ms. Chammings will meet with JCP&L, their engineer, and their forestry professional to review locations of recurring power outages.

– Ms. Chammings thanked the EC and commended them on their service and work. She stated it has been an honor serving as Mayor over the years.

– Committeewoman Chammings provided information on the 2026 Sussex County Trails Grant Program. the deadline is May 15th and a webinar will be hosted on February 4th at 2pm via Zoom, she will share the link. She encouraged the EC to focus on Veterans Memorial Park and the trail on the passive and active sides. Invasives is an issue and improvement is needed. The grant match is only 10%. Ms. Coriston thanks Ms. Chammings for her service as both Mayor and Committeeperson. Ms. Coriston will attend the grant webinar and Ms. Chammings will email her the application and rubric for her review. Mr. Szabo noted anytime he has been involved in grants, a grant writer has been necessary. He asked if it would be possible for the EC to get training on grant writing, either though Stillwater or the county. Ms. Chammings stated this specific grant was designed to be a simple application process. The Township is currently looking for a grant writer.

EC Actions:
– Matt Troachim, from the Watershed, is scheduled to be at the February 9th EC meeting.

– Dr. Lippencott and Ms. Coriston will draft a letter to Tara Mezzanotte regarding WSR and her request to appear before the EC on February 9th.

– A letter will be drafted to the Fredon land Use Board regarding an EIS for the cell tower application.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Ms. Coriston made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m., seconded by Mr. Szabo. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Wunder, Secretary