August 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

August 12, 2021

Regular Meeting

In Person/Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86756455178

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Dvorsky, Mr. Svendsen (Zoom), Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Branagan, Ms. Kral

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7:02 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 Thursday 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.

Appointment of Secretary

Mr. Branagan made a motion to Appoint Alicia Gardner as Environmental Secretary August 1, 2021 through 12/31/2021, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts

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

Mr. Svendsen amended his abstain and voted yes.

Minutes

Mrs. Tracey made a motion to approve the minutes of 7/19/21, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts.

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

Bills

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the following bills, pending availability of funds, seconded by Mr. Branagan:

Secretary: $232.69

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

Mr. Svendsen joined the meeting via Zoom.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:18 p.m.

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

Beth Raff spoke to the Committee with interest in filling the open regular member position of remaining Term of Mr. Szabo through 12/31/2023.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:24 p.m.

Correspondence:

CFO: Budget Activity to 7/2/2021

Old Business

2021 Beautification Project:

Mr. Branagan will contact the new Zoning Officer Tom Dixon to meet and speak regarding Project.

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. Eddie Connors property, Mr. Szabo was asked to continue checking or pass to someone to take over.

Biochar approval by NJDEP and all Water Test Results which include Blair Creek below Fairview Lake

Phos Hazardous waste used by Lake Hopatcong. Test and use company to dispose of properly. NJDEP Habitat Grant

-Clean Water sector was dismantled. Burden on Fairview Lake to look into it. Acting Superintendent Blanca messaged Swartswood and Lake Hopatcong Cliff Luden and surrounding area.

Fairview Lake & Watershed Conservation concerning Biochar:

Reviewed email from John Neumann and is currently waiting for a reply will follow up with NJDEP regulations.

Site Survey: ZBA Application for Pole Barn, Block 1801 Lot 35

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve application and forward to Alfia for Zoning Board seconded by Mr. Branagan

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

Environmental Commission/Volunteer Recognition

Mr. Dvorsky and Mr. Branagan Site Survey, Certificate of Recognition to Kathy Wunder for going above and beyond as Environmental Commission Secretary

Endangered and Threatened Species:

Spotted Laternfly: Mr. Dvorsky spoke and will forward information about ways to terminate them correctly/safely

Mosquitoes: County mosquito control will set trap and analyze. A test can be requested.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:55 p.m.

Mr. Branagan made a motion to appoint Beth Raff as Environmental Commission Member with Term to 12/31/2023 seconded by Mrs. Tracey

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

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan

-Begin Master Plan review. Quotes from planners due 11/22. Due every 10yrs, last adopted 2012. Check and change ordinances .

-Joe Golden recommended to hire a planner as it is beneficial.

-Block 4308 Lots 1,2,3 extension request (high cost of building materials – Geydoshek)

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-July Resolution for Temporary Lighting for Veterans Park 20 day opposition ends August 13.

-Noise concerns with leaf blowers, mowers etc. Battery operated vs fuel and Cancer causing emissions

-Master Plan- check ordinances up to date. Letter to Zoning officer with Sign/Flags Complaints (Obscenity Ordinance)

-Adopting 3 Ordinances: Fire Apparatus, DPW Equipment and Paving on Old Foundry (lower)

-Regret accepting Mr. Szabos resignation and wishes Kathy Wunder a Happy Retirement They will both be missed.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:22p.m., seconded by Mr. Branagan. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Gardner, Secretary