January 10, 2022 Regular Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

January 10, 2022

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

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Dvorsky, Ms. Raff, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Mrs. Emmetts

PUBLIC PRESENT: Emily Wills, Ed Szabo

LIASION PRESENT: Ms. Chammings

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7:09 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 12/9/21, second by Mrs. Branagan.

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

Bills

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

Secretary: $240.00

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

ANJEC Membership $375.00

Motion by Mrs. Branagan to not pay this bill and discuss for next meeting, Second by Mr. Branagan. All voted No to pay bill and discuss once Board fills open positions.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:26 p.m.

Miss Emily Wills introduced herself and spoke about her interest in joining the Environmental Commission.
Mr. Ed Szabo spoke to the Commission regarding his interest in returning to the Environmental Commission.

There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:31 p.m.

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

Old Business

• Annual Report 2021– Repairs were initiated for the shed at the Recycling Center was changed to Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Fishing Line Collection: Mr. Dvorsky brought in fishing line. Mr. Branagan mentioned receptacle at Ed Connor’s property
• 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 schedule a time to meet and get samples.
• 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. All members agreed Maps showing all 10 test sites would be beneficial. Mr. Branagan will get quotes with adjustments to tests at sites.
• Conversation with Colleen from LHF: Mr. Branagan also spoke with Colleen at Lake Hopatcong Foundation and she confirmed they currently grind and spread the Biochar they collect.
• Contact Bob (sign over Bridge at Veteran’s Memorial Park) Mr. Branagan Spoke to Bob and he recommended 30 second wash (spray and rinse) Bio friendly. Mr. Branagan will check if sign should be resealed after cleaning.
• Environmental Commission/ Volunteer Recognition

Mr. Dvorsky recognized Ms. Raff for finding the problem with vehicles driving to the river at VMP.

• Endangered/Threatened Species Sightings:
• 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

Emily Wills and Ed Szabo were thanked by Ms. Chammings and the Commission for attending the meeting and their interest in joining the Commission.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mr. Dvorsky made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:37p.m., seconded by Ms. Raff. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Gardner, Secretary

Next meeting:

Monday February 14, 2022 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976326681