February 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

Regular Meeting Zoom Option: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83542848527

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Emmetts(Via phone), Ms. Raff, Mrs. Tracey(Via Zoom), Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

PUBLIC PRESENT: Emily Wills, Ed Szabo, Christine Casper Morgan, Amanda Coriston

LIASION PRESENT: Ms. Chammings

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 6:33 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

Re-org: Mr. Dvorsky made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/10/22, second by Mrs. Branagan.

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

Regular: Mrs. Branagan made a motion to approve the minutes of 1/10/22, second by Ms. Raff.

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

Bills

Mr. Dvorsky made a motion to approve the Payment for Secretary, pending availability of funds, second by Mrs. Branagan.

Secretary: $240.00

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

ANJEC Membership $375.00

Motion by Mrs. Branagan to approve the ANJEC Bill, pending availability of funds, second by Mr. Dvorsky

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

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 6:40 p.m.

Mr. Hawkins, Recycling Coordinator and Mr. Gardner, previous Recycling Coordinator, spoke regarding Recycling being denied and dumped as garbage. Mr. Hawkins stated it has been awhile since this occurred and Mr. Gardner agreed the recycling has been better managed. Mr. Branagan stated the shed at Veteran’s Memorial Park is falling apart. Mr. Hawkins recommended the shed should be removed and will speak to Josh to get it removed. Mr. Branagan wants the sign removed from the shed prior to removal. Mr. Hawkins presented bear safe garbage/recycling container to be placed at Swartswood Stillwater Park and VMP. Estimate of $1367.00 per container and can be labeled accordingly. Container would be placed on a slab and anchored to slab. These containers will also help eliminate illegal dumping, they are a very tidy and durable resource and will be maintained by DPW for removal garbage and sorting through the recycling when brought to the recycling center. Mrs. Gardner will reach out to the CFO to research funding for this purchase. The Board will be notified and then may vote for purchase and specify location of container.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:06 p.m.

Correspondence: 1 Board Member Position Open, 2 Alternate Positions Open, Secretary: 3 Applications submitted.

Motion by Mrs. Emmetts to nominate Ed Szabo as a Board Member, second by Ms. Raff. With no other nominations…

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

Motion by Mrs. Branagan to nominate Emily Wills as Alternate #1, second by Mr. Branagan. With no other nominations…

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

Secretary Applicants: Mrs. Branagan

Vote to move to executive session to discuss Open Secretary Position.

Old Business

• Fishing Line Collection: Mrs. Branagan asked when start of collection is and was answered March.
• Biochar Water Test Results of Fairview Lake from Ms. Chammings students: Ms. Chammings stated Mr. Marc Koch reached out to let her know the samples are ready for pick up. Ms. Chammings will pick up samples this weekend.
• Eurofins Water Testing Services: Mr. Branagan spoke/emailed Ann Smith and Erin with Eurofins 1 quote for 10 sites $4,088.50 and 1 quote for 9 sites including 1 e-coli $2,950.50. Members reviewed Map showing all 10 test sites. Mr. Branagan will get updated quote with adjustments to testing at sites.
• Environmental Commission/ Volunteer Recognition

Mrs. Gardner recognized the Environmental Commission for everything they do. Mrs. Gardner thanked them for their dedication, continued hard work and time they put in.

• Endangered/Threatened Species Sightings:

Mr. Szabo stated by the Grist mill he saw a red shouldered hawk eating a

• Recycling Shed/Bear proof cans at VMP

Mrs. Branagan stated concerns of residents not recycling properly and was crushed to find out the recycling is being contaminated causing the town to pay SCUMA to reload and dump as garbage. Mr. Branagan would like to speak with Mr. Gardner and the new recycling coordinator Mr. Hawkins regarding how to better get people to recycle properly. Keep shed or take down, Bear Proof cans, contractor (Sanico) services, Carry in/out? Sanico does sort recycling. Would need cost of cans/containers to be placed at VMP.

New Business

• ANJEC Membership: As per discussion in Bills section of meeting, will hold on this to fill positions and further discuss how many Packets will be needed.
• Tire marks at Veteran’s Memorial Park (side of river):

Ms. Raff found tire marks tracking to the side of the river on 2 separate occasions and 2 separate vehicles. No people were seen only the vehicles. Ms. Raff would like to have a sign put up to stop vehicles from driving on the grass and parking by water.

General Discussion:

Mr. Branagan will verify with the Clerk in reference to advertising for open positions and secretary

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 8:23p.m.

Mr. Ed Szabo submitted his interest in returning to the Environmental Commission. He also spoke about doing away with plastic and read Newspaper articles (see attached) regarding Nuclear and Natural gas being a part of sustainability/ International. Article reports Europe is in agreeance.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 8:28p.m.

Planning Board Liaison Report: No meeting

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-January 4^th Township Reorganization meeting was held. Mayor George Scott and Deputy Mayor Timmy Lee Fisher.

-Liaisons are still being sorted

-Howard Vex new Township Attorney for 2022

-Tom Collins is Labor/Conflict Attorney

-HR Deborah Carter met with employees and will be working on individual/department job descriptions.

-Budget meeting January 8, Big request from Fire Dept: New Jaws of Life. (Newer/Lighter in weight) approx. $42,000: Demo model approx. $30,000-has been tentatively approved

-RFP Master Plan November 22, 2022 $12,000-$17,500 Mike Vreeland Planner

-2 Auditor RFP’s as well Tuesday January 11

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Branagan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00p.m., seconded by Ms. Raff. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Gardner, Secretary