March 12, 2018

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
March 12, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Szabo, Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mr. Blanchard

Mr. Branagan 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 taken.

Minutes

Mrs. Tracey made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/18/18, seconded by Mr. Szabo.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Bills

Mr. Szabo made a motion to approve the following bills, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mrs. Tracey, removing the ANJEC membership bill in the amount of $400.00 for further consideration:

Secretary: $ 213.13

NJH Reorganization Meeting Notice: $ 6.90

NJH Reorganziation Meeting Dates: $ 31.80

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Following a discussion, Mr. Szabo suggested that he draft a letter to ANJEC outlining the reasons not to renew the membership, including the following:

-cancelled an EC presentation in 2017

-membership fees are expensive

-information can be accessed online

Mr. Szabo also expressed concern with ANJEC becoming too politicized. The EC agreed to review the draft letter and provide input at the next meeting.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:20 p.m.

There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:20 p.m.

Correspondence:

-22^nd Annual NJ Land Conservancy Rally – March 2, 2018, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ

-WSJ – “Climate Change Could Swamp Your Muni-Bond Portfolio,” dated 2/3/18

-Recycling Report – Keith Whitehead, Recycling Coordinator: Mrs. Wunder will clarify the report with Mr. Whitehead and the item will be added to the next agenda.

-WSJ – “U.S. Drone Deliveries Ready for Takeoff,” dated 3/12/18: This item will be added to the next agenda for discussion.

-WSJ – “Doomsday Climate Scenarios Are a Joke,” dated 3/12/18

-WSJ – “Good Climate News Isn’t Told,” dated 2/28/18

Old Business

ANJEC Open Space Stewardship Grant Update – Signage:

Mr. Branagan presented an updated quote from Mr. Vendetti for the sign over the bridge at Veteran’s Memorial Park (VMP) in the amount of $2,125.00. The grant is for $1,500 and an additional $1,500 is available through the Clean Communities Fund. The estimated cost for the smaller signs along the river is $500. Following EC discussion, it was agreed additional quotes would be obtained. Ms. Chammings drafted specifications for the bridge sign as follows:

Signage for Veterans Memorial Park in Stillwater Township:

-Free-hand, rustic design utilizing cedar (or equivalent) lumber for signage

-Side one to read: Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park

Trout Brook

-Side two to read: Thank You for Keeping Stillwater Litter Free

-Each side of the sign to be separate construction with each side utilizing cedar (or equivalent) lumber planks of an approximate size: 10’ length x 4’ wide; 4” thickness – (flowing designs preferred over a regular shape)

-All necessary hardware to be included.

-6 x 6 x 12 foot pressure treated posts for mounting.

-Installation to be included.

*Sign is to be mounted over the bridge entering from the parking lot side of Veterans Memorial Park to the field side.

All quotes must be submitted no later than March 30, 2018.

Mrs. Wunder will post them on the website and Mr. Szabo will provide a copy to Mr. Mabie. Mr. Szabo had previously displayed Red Cedar from the Mabie property. This type of wood is very strong and an example of Mr. Mabie’s work can be seen on Potters Road – the sign reads “Living Springs Farm.”

Recycling Center Update:

Mr. Branagan provided an update on the information sign/board at the Recycling Center, indicating it would be kept to a simple plastic sign reading, “Recycling Information Below.” Plastic brochure holders would be installed underneath the sign. Mr. and Mrs. Branagan will contact Minisink Press, Staples, the Print Center and Stewartsigns.com for quotes.

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. Line has been mailed to: Berkley Recycling, 1900 18^th Street, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360.

New Business

Amphibian Crossing: Frog Pond, Rt. 619 across from the entrance to the State Park – 2/26/18

Wood Frogs: 260; 12 DOR

Peepers: 21; 3 DOR

Spotted Salamanders: 5; 1 DOR

Red Spotted Newt: 1; 1 DOR

Jefferson: 1 DOR

Stream Water Testing:

Two quotes have been obtained for the stream water testing as follows:

Eurofins/QC Laboratories: $2,871.00

NJ Anaytical Laboratories: $2,063.00

Quotes were requested from several laboratories for the following parameters:

Sites 1-9

-Total Suspended Solids

-Ph

-Phosphorus Total as P

-Ortho Phosphate as P

-Nitrite as N

-Nitrate as N

-Alkalinity: to pH 4.5

-Ammonia

-Conductivity

-Kjeldahl Nitrogen

-Sampling without field readings

-Fecal coliform MF

-E. Coli MF

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

March 12, 2018

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Szabo, Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mr. Blanchard

Mr. Branagan 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 taken.

Minutes

Mrs. Tracey made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/18/18, seconded by Mr. Szabo.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Bills

Mr. Szabo made a motion to approve the following bills, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mrs. Tracey, removing the ANJEC membership bill in the amount of $400.00 for further consideration:

Secretary: $ 213.13

NJH Reorganization Meeting Notice: $ 6.90

NJH Reorganziation Meeting Dates: $ 31.80

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Szabo, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

Following a discussion, Mr. Szabo suggested that he draft a letter to ANJEC outlining the reasons not to renew the membership, including the following:

-cancelled an EC presentation in 2017

-membership fees are expensive

-information can be accessed online

Mr. Szabo also expressed concern with ANJEC becoming too politicized. The EC agreed to review the draft letter and provide input at the next meeting.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:20 p.m.

There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:20 p.m.

Correspondence:

-22^nd Annual NJ Land Conservancy Rally – March 2, 2018, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ

-WSJ – “Climate Change Could Swamp Your Muni-Bond Portfolio,” dated 2/3/18

-Recycling Report – Keith Whitehead, Recycling Coordinator: Mrs. Wunder will clarify the report with Mr. Whitehead and the item will be added to the next agenda.

-WSJ – “U.S. Drone Deliveries Ready for Takeoff,” dated 3/12/18: This item will be added to the next agenda for discussion.

-WSJ – “Doomsday Climate Scenarios Are a Joke,” dated 3/12/18

-WSJ – “Good Climate News Isn’t Told,” dated 2/28/18

Old Business

ANJEC Open Space Stewardship Grant Update – Signage:

Mr. Branagan presented an updated quote from Mr. Vendetti for the sign over the bridge at Veteran’s Memorial Park (VMP) in the amount of $2,125.00. The grant is for $1,500 and an additional $1,500 is available through the Clean Communities Fund. The estimated cost for the smaller signs along the river is $500. Following EC discussion, it was agreed additional quotes would be obtained. Ms. Chammings drafted specifications for the bridge sign as follows:

Signage for Veterans Memorial Park in Stillwater Township:

-Free-hand, rustic design utilizing cedar (or equivalent) lumber for signage

-Side one to read: Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park

Trout Brook

-Side two to read: Thank You for Keeping Stillwater Litter Free

-Each side of the sign to be separate construction with each side utilizing cedar (or equivalent) lumber planks of an approximate size: 10’ length x 4’ wide; 4” thickness – (flowing designs preferred over a regular shape)

-All necessary hardware to be included.

-6 x 6 x 12 foot pressure treated posts for mounting.

-Installation to be included.

*Sign is to be mounted over the bridge entering from the parking lot side of Veterans Memorial Park to the field side.

All quotes must be submitted no later than March 30, 2018.

Mrs. Wunder will post them on the website and Mr. Szabo will provide a copy to Mr. Mabie. Mr. Szabo had previously displayed Red Cedar from the Mabie property. This type of wood is very strong and an example of Mr. Mabie’s work can be seen on Potters Road – the sign reads “Living Springs Farm.”

Recycling Center Update:

Mr. Branagan provided an update on the information sign/board at the Recycling Center, indicating it would be kept to a simple plastic sign reading, “Recycling Information Below.” Plastic brochure holders would be installed underneath the sign. Mr. and Mrs. Branagan will contact Minisink Press, Staples, the Print Center and Stewartsigns.com for quotes.

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. Line has been mailed to: Berkley Recycling, 1900 18^th Street, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360.

New Business

Amphibian Crossing: Frog Pond, Rt. 619 across from the entrance to the State Park – 2/26/18

Wood Frogs: 260; 12 DOR

Peepers: 21; 3 DOR

Spotted Salamanders: 5; 1 DOR

Red Spotted Newt: 1; 1 DOR

Jefferson: 1 DOR

Stream Water Testing:

Two quotes have been obtained for the stream water testing as follows:

Eurofins/QC Laboratories: $2,871.00

NJ Anaytical Laboratories: $2,063.00

Quotes were requested from several laboratories for the following parameters:

Sites 1-9

-Total Suspended Solids

-Ph

-Phosphorus Total as P

-Ortho Phosphate as P

-Nitrite as N

-Nitrate as N

-Alkalinity: to pH 4.5

-Ammonia

-Conductivity

-Kjeldahl Nitrogen

-Sampling without field readings

-Fecal coliform MF

-E. Coli MF

 

Site 10:

-Fecal coliform MF

-E. Coli MF

Mr. Szabo suggested contacting Radata in Flanders for a quote.

Volunteer/Member Recognition:

-Mr. and Mrs. Branagan: Amphibian Crossing

Endangered and Threatened Species:

-Several eagle sightings in the township by Mr. Branagan and Mr. Szabo.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:25 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:25 p.m.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan

-Rodriguez application for a lot line adjustment was approved.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-Established a CAP bank.

-Approved an interlocal court agreement with Sussex, Wantage and Branchville.

-Eric VanderHaeghen was reappointed to the Zoning Board.

-Discussion was held finalizing the 2018 budget.

-Budget will be introduced on 3/20/18.

-Commended the DPW and emergency services for their work during the recent storms. The fire department responded to approximately 42 calls in the past weeks.

Mayor Chammings reported she received a phone call from Governor Murphy in the aftermath of the storm, indicating he would be addressing the BPU issues, including JCP&L, cable and CenturyLink. The Mayor and a representative of the Governor toured Stillwater on Saturday surveying the damage to the township.

The EC thanked Mayor Chammings for her service during and after the storms, addressing power outages, downed trees, etc.

Mayor Chammings thanked the EC for their support following the loss of her father.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Branagan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Tracey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary

Site 10:

-Fecal coliform MF

-E. Coli MF

Mr. Szabo suggested contacting Radata in Flanders for a quote.

Volunteer/Member Recognition:

-Mr. and Mrs. Branagan: Amphibian Crossing

Endangered and Threatened Species:

-Several eagle sightings in the township by Mr. Branagan and Mr. Szabo.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:25 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:25 p.m.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan

-Rodriguez application for a lot line adjustment was approved.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-Established a CAP bank.

-Approved an interlocal court agreement with Sussex, Wantage and Branchville.

-Eric VanderHaeghen was reappointed to the Zoning Board.

-Discussion was held finalizing the 2018 budget.

-Budget will be introduced on 3/20/18.

-Commended the DPW and emergency services for their work during the recent storms. The fire department responded to approximately 42 calls in the past weeks.

Mayor Chammings reported she received a phone call from Governor Murphy in the aftermath of the storm, indicating he would be addressing the BPU issues, including JCP&L, cable and CenturyLink. The Mayor and a representative of the Governor toured Stillwater on Saturday surveying the damage to the township.

The EC thanked Mayor Chammings for her service during and after the storms, addressing power outages, downed trees, etc.

Mayor Chammings thanked the EC for their support following the loss of her father.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Branagan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Tracey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary