July 19, 2021 Meeting Minutes

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

July 19, 2021

Regular Meeting

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Branagan, Ms. Kral, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Szabo, Mr.Svendsen

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 6/21//21, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts.

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

Bills

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

Secretary: $232.69

Mileage: $54.88 – 2nd Quarter Plastic Bag Collection

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

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:10 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:10 p.m.

Correspondence: None received.

Old Business

2021 Beautification Project:

Mr. Branagan will contact the new Zoning Officer Tom Dixon to discuss the project and follow-up on property issues.

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.

New Business

Volunteer/Member Recognition: None

Endangered and Threatened Species:

Endangered: Bobcat

Other Sightings: Red-tailed Hawk

Veteran’s Memorial Park:

Mr. Branagan reported the signs will be installed at the park.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:15 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed to the public at 7:15 p.m.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan

The June Planning Board meeting was cancelled.

Swartswood Lake Watershed Association (SWLA):

Mrs. Emmetts reported the SWLA met at the Community Center, the meeting was well attended and a couple of new members also joined. Biochar was mentioned at the June COLA meeting to be used against HABs. It is currently being utilized in Lake Hopatcong.

John Neumann, Fairview Lake:

An email was received from Mr. Neumann regarding the flowering American Chestnut Tree at the lake. The email included information on the American Chestnut Tree as well as photos.

Fairview Lake – Biochar:

The EC briefly discussed the biochar considered for use on Fairview Lake and reiterated that disposal of any material will be in accordance with NJDEP regulations if necessary.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

June 22nd Meeting:

-The second reading of the bond ordinance did not pass. The ordinance was bifurcated and each was introduced. The second reading of each ordinance will be held at the July 20th Committee meeting.

-A resolution urging legislation for single use plastic bags did not pass at a vote of 4-1 (Mayor Chammings being the only favorable vote). The majority of the Committee felt it would be too costly for local business owners.

-A temporary lighting ordinance for sports programs at the local parks including Veteran’s Memorial Park, Volunteer Field and Stillwater Park in Swartswood, was introduced. The ordinance will include a specific time limit for usage. The light towers are run by generators and the lighting is rented and insured by the sports organizations. The second reading will be held at the July 20th Committee meeting.

-The NJDOT application for Mt. Benevolence Road funding for improvements will be submitted.

-Cross River Fiber will not be coming to Stillwater as the company did not approve of the agreement.

-Kathy Wunder will be retiring on August 1st and Dawn Tighe will replace her full-time under the title of Clerk I. Beth Martin has been hired part-time as a file clerk and Alicia Gardner has been hired part-time as a receptionist.

-The Committee is currently looking into Green Acres funding opportunities.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Szabo appeared before the Commission to submit his resignation, which he read into the record as follows:

Jack Branagan, Chairperson:

After serving on the Commission for many years including the Chairmanship; I am forced to resign due to family illness. It has been my honor to wear various hats in the community and observe many different groups in action, but as an active hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast I felt especially fortunate to be involved directly with the Environmental Commission.

A primary reason for this position is the quality of people who are attracted to our group. Chief among them is our secretary Kathy Wunder whose dedication to doing everything right is unsurpassed. She makes difficult issues easy, never gets cranky or upset and smiles easily with her can-do attitude. Although I can’t participate in her retirement celebration, both my wife Joan and I wish the best for her and her family. Please give her a copy of this letter for her personnel file…she deserves it for the many extras she has always done, the many hours of time and help she has given others and her dedication to hard work.

Sincerely,

Ed Szabo

Mr. Branagan and the EC thanked Mr. Szabo for his many years of service to the EC and the community.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Branagan. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary

 

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