August 10, 2020 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Szabo, Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Svendsen, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Nause, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7 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

Mr. Dvorsky made a motion to approve the minutes of July 13, 2020, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts.

It was noted that Mayor Chammings would follow-up with Township Engineer Vreeland regarding a comparison of the landfill water testing.

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, abstain, Mr. Svendsen, yes, Mr. Nause, abstain, Mr. Branagan, yes

Bills

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the following bill, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mrs. Tracey.

Secretary: $232.69

Roll Call Vote: Mrs. Emmetts, yes, Mrs. Tracey, yes, Mr. Dvorsky, yes, Mrs. Branagan, yes, Mr. Svendsen, yes, Mr. Nause, yes, Mr. Branagan, yes

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:04 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:04 p.m.

Mr. Szabo arrived at this point in the meeting.

Correspondence: None

Old Business

NJDEP Weekly Update: Climate Change Science Report/Paulinskill Restoration Grants:

Following a brief discussion, the EC determined that grant funding would not be pursued at this time.

Municipal Clerk: Groundwater Sampling 2020 1 Stillwater Landfill:

Mayor Chammings will follow up with Township Engineer Vreeland on Leach A: Permit 40-10239-4 #1; Permit 40-1240-8 #2; and Permit 40-10241-6 #3. Mr. Svendsen questioned if the permits are in existence or not.

2020 Beautification Project Update:

The following properties were submitted to the Zoning Officer: 1024 Fairview Lake Road, 1019 Fairview Lake Road, 937 Mt. Holly Road, 988 Old Foundry Road and 1054 Old Foundry Road. The Zoning Officer has contacted the owners and sent out violation notices. Mr. Branagan will follow-up on the progress.

Fishing Line Collection: All line is to be cleaned of leaves/litter, hooks and lead sinkers. Lead sinkers are to be provided at the meeting for recycling. Line was collected. Mr. Brangan will take over the cleaning of the receptacles at Keen’s Mill and at the boat launch next to the park for Mrs. Emmetts.

New Business

Water Testing:

Mr. Svendsen will obtain two quotes for the fall stream water testing, one with the EC doing the sampling and the other with the company doing the sampling. This item will be added to the next agenda.

Zoning Board Application Site Survey Acceptance: Block 602, Lot 13, Addition

Mr. Svendsen conducted the inspection and recommended silt fencing to address soil erosion. Mr. Branagan will follow-up with the Board Secretary Alfia Schemm.

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to accept the site survey, seconded by Mrs. Tracey.

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

Swartswood Lakes Watershed Association:

Mrs. Emmetts reported that SWLA received $300,000 in grant funding to 1) develop a watershed management plan acceptable to the NJDEP; once approved by the NJDEP they are obligated to enact it; and 2) address aeration and HABs.

The grant funding was made possible with the assistance of lake association members, Chris Obropta of Rutgers, Steve Souza, Larry Kovar of Aquatic Analysts, and Nathaniel Sajdak. A newspaper announcement is forthcoming. The lake is currently clear of HABs.

Volunteer Recognition:

Mr. Svendsen for conducting the Zoning Board application site survey.

Endangered and Threatened Species Sightings:

2 Red-Shouldered Hawks

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

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

EC Resignation:

Mr. Blanchard arrived at the meeting at 7:20 p.m. and indicted he no longer resides in Stillwater and would need to resign as a member of the EC. Mr. Branagan stated the EC enjoyed working with him and commended his work at Veteran’s Memorial Park. He thanked Mr. Blanchard for his service. Mr. Blanchard stated he is always available for assistance, information and guidance in the future.

Miscellaneous Items:

Mr. Branagan noted the letter to Josh Gottheimer and other legislators asking for their support of the proposed bill, Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.was sent.

Mr. Szabo asked if the SWLA could use the Community Center as a back up to its normal meeting location. Mayor Chammings stated a building use form would need to be completed and submitted to the Clerk. The Mayor suggested the pavilion at Veteran’s Memorial park as an alternate location.

Planning Board Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan

The meeting was cancelled.

Township Committee Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-Stillwater Recreation Summer Camp was held this week and again next week. To date, 31 campers have registered. COVID regulations are being strictly adhered to.

-An employee was hired at the Recycling Center and started last week. Mrs. Emmetts commented that the cardboard was overflowing and the commingled container was also very full at the Recycling Center. Mayor Chammings attributed it to more people being home increasing the amount of trash and recyclables.

-Tammy Leonard has been appointed as CFO, a full-time position.

-Stillwater School Re-opening Committee are meeting and working diligently to make it safe for the students return and providing outside areas where possible.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Dvorsky. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary