STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
April 13, 2026
Regular Meeting
In-Person/Zoom
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Branagan, Mrs. Emmetts (Zoom), Dr. Mattes, Mr. Szabo, Mrs. Tracey, Ms. Kral, Ms. Coriston
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dr. Lippencott,
ALSO PRESENT: Committeewoman Lisa Chammings
Ms. Coriston called the meeting to order at 7:05 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: Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the minutes of 3/9/2026, seconded by Mr. Branagan.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Branagan; yes, Mrs. Emmetts; yes, Dr. Mattes; abstain, Mr. Szabo; yes, Mrs. Tracey; yes, Ms. Kral; abstain, Ms. Coriston; abstain
Bills: Ms. Coriston made a motion to approve the following bill, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts:
Secretary: $274.00
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Branagan; yes, Mrs. Emmetts; yes, Dr. Mattes; 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 7:09pm. There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:09pm.
Correspondence:
– 3/25/2026 C. Dunbar: Floodplain Fridays – Hyper Humus Walk on April 18, 2026 from 10am-1pm
– 4/2/2026 M. Coriston: NJ’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan Webinar on April 14, 2026 from 2pm-330pm
Old Business:
Email Report – Dr. Lippencott:
Dr. Lippencott held a conference call with the Stockton University professors regarding the Healthy Forest Initiative. The call went very well with some exciting prospects for meaningful collaboration identified that will advance our initiative.
Dr. Lippencott requested the facilitation of brief meeting or Zoom call to discuss collaborating on the surface water sampling and MS4 permit requirements. The meeting should be scheduled for some time in April at the latest as the water testing is a seasonality issue and sample collection and analysis planning is time critical. Integrating the MS4 data needs and compliance strategy would held inform our stream water sampling and discussion.
EC Discussion – Future Guest Speakers/Presentations:
Ms. Coriston reported that Dark Sky would be interested in a Zoom presentation and, if the EC agrees, this can be scheduled. This presentation is municipal-focused and would include model ordinances on light direction and other municipal protections. She will reach out to Steve Mariconda.
Mr. Branagan suggested water sampling as a topic to be considered for the fall, possible September or October.
Ms. Coriston will also reach out to Mike VanClef from Strike Team for a presentation on invasive species. He can be specific to our area.
Dr. Lippencott has been in contact with Rich Kelsky and Mrs. Emmetts suggested contacting the Superintendent of Swartswood State Park as well.
Dr. Mattes appreciated Dr. Lippencott for reaching out to foresters and felt the main focus should be reforesting. Mr. Szabo recently discussed reforesting with Mr. Kelsky and asked him what type and size of trees should be planted. Mr. Kelsky is currently waiting for a crate of seedlings he is going to plant.
Cellco Verizon Wireless (Fredon):
The application was carried to the May meeting.
TREX Program Update:
Ms. Coriston reported TREX has revamped the program reward cycles which will now be quarterly rather than annually. Below is some recent activity:
– A large load has been dropped off at Kohls, in 2 trips, so it can be submitted to TREX.
– There is still an unweighed backlog in Ms. Coriston’s shed and Ms. Chammings barn that is estimated to be roughly 200-300lb total.
– With the assistance of her husband, an additional 118lbs were weighed at the Recycling Center and is currently in Ms. Coriston’s basement.
– Kohls doesn’t have drop off during the week of April 12-18 due to spring inventory, so drop offs can be completed at 11:45am on April 21 and 23.
– Newton Weis no longer accepts TREX. Kohls does, but not large quantities. Acme, Stop & Shop, Franklin Weis, and Ocean State Job Lots are all nonviable options. Kohls may stop collecting this summer. The nearest location after Kohls is a “grassroots” partner in Parsippany.
– Ms. Coriston will weigh her collection backlog on April 14 and 15. Ms. Chammings will weigh the barn and municipal collection on April 21 and transport it to Kohls.
Fishing Line Collection:
Opening day is April 11th. Mr. Szabo reported trout stocking will continue on Thursday mornings during April at Swartswood Lake, Swartswood State Park. He invited anyone interested to participate between 9 and 930am. Local resident Alex Durino and his family attended the last stocking and had a great time.
Mr. Szabo reported his fishing receptable was full of trash and this has become a problem. Dr. Mattes emptied his fishing receptacle at Veterans Memorial Park with no issue, only fishing line. He will reset the receptacle at Veterans that has been laying on the ground.
New Business:
2026 Sussex County Trails Grant Program – Veterans Memorial Park (VMP) Trail Improvement:
Ms. Chammings provided a partial presentation on the trail grant and proposed improvements to the VMP. The completed presentation will be provided to the Sussex County Open Space Committee. The presentation depicted the figure 8 loop of the 2 trails, both passive and active, located at the park and included photos of the passive trail during different times of the year, nature, fishing, educational signs, and season round walking. She reviewed the projected highlights and reported that she obtained a quote for just under $13,000 for the rehab of the trail, seeding, and regrading. This will also allow for the removal of some invasives to add a bird watching overlook and a small pathway from the parking lot.
The Township Committee will provide a resolution of support. Ms. Kral suggested adding a slide indicating the downsides to not improving the trail and the results of such over the next few years and Ms. Chammings agreed to do so.
Ms. Chammings stated the funding is a $25,000 reimbursement grant, 10% matching, and can be funded through our Open Space Trust.
Ms. Emmetts made a motion to move forward with the 2026 Sussex County Trail Grants application for trail improvements at VMP, seconded by Ms. Coriston.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Branagan; yes, Mrs. Emmetts; yes, Dr. Mattes; 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 8:17 p.m. There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:17pm.
Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Dr. Lippencott
– Ms. Chammings reported a lot line adjustment application will be heard at the April Planning Board meeting.
Township Liaison Report: Committeewoman Chammings
– Township Committee introduced the 2026 Budget with the following Municipal increases: $63/$200,000 – $94/$300,000 – $126/$400,000. This is a tax increase, per year, based on assessment value. Township CFO provided a budget presentation at the last meeting, which will be available on the Town website. Stillwater School and Sussex County also introduced their annual budgets with increases. The overall tax bill average increase for a house assessed at $200,000 will be between $500-600 per year.
– A land sale will be held on May 13 at 10am to contiguous property owners. There is over 40 properties on the list which is available on the Town’s website. Over an acre minimum bid will be $1,250, under an acre minimum bid will be $500.
– A bond ordinance was introduced to replace 2 older trucks at the DPW, road improvements (Mt. Benevolence), and $100,000 to replace fuel pumps/tanks at the DPW.
– 992 Fairview Lake Road (Gallaghers) got a Hazardous Discharge Fund Grant for $92,000 so we can begin moving forward.
Miscellaneous Items:
Ms. Coriston reported April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and there are pinwheels outside Town Hall.
Ms. Chammings commended the Recreation Commission for their activities, noting a 70s themed dance was held at the Community Center this past weekend with 50+ participants.
Ms. Chammings also commended CERT for their Free Helmet Safety event. Over 80 helmets were provided and fitted to participants.
STILLWATER VOLUNTEERS ARE AMAZING!
With no further business to come before the Commission, Ms. Coriston made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m., seconded by Dr. Mattes. In a voice vote, all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Wunder, Secretary
