October 5, 2020 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Svendsen, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Nause, Mr. Dvorsky, Mr. Szabo

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7 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

Mrs. Tracey made a motion to approve the minutes of September 14, 2020, seconded by Mrs. Emmetts.

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

Bills

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

Secretary: $232.69

J. Branagan: $60.96 (3^rd Quarter Mileage – Plastic Bags, Site Survey for Beautification Project)

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

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:12 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:12 p.m.

Correspondence:

NJDEP Application Notice: 911 Stonebridge Road (fish passage improvement to County line road dam)

NJDEP Application Notice: 944 Mt. Holly Road – Block 2701, Lot 20.04 (septic repair)

NJDEP Application Notice: North Shore House – 912 Swartswood Road – Block 3601, Lot 16 (treatment works approval)

The NJDEP applications/maps for Stonebridge Road and the North Shore House were briefly reviewed.

Old Business

Stream Water Testing Quote: $3,350.00 (Eurofins)

Mr. Branagan made a motion to approve the quote for $3,350 from Eurofins for the stream water testing of 10 sites, seconded by Mrs. Tracey.

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

Mr. Branagan signed the quote and it will be faxed to Eurofins by Mrs. Wunder. A date will be scheduled for the water sampling. Mr. Svendsen suggested coordinating the sampling date when the courier is in the area so the samples can be dropped off in Sparta.

2020 Beautification Project Update:

Laurel Drive: Mr. and Mrs. Branagan submitted photos of the property to the Zoning Officer for her review.

Hardwick Road Farm: Soil importation issue; the owner will setup a meeting with Mr. Branagan and the Zoning Officer in November.

Hampton Road: Owner will file for a soil importation permit.

Fishing Line Collection: All line is to be cleaned of leaves/litter, hooks and lead sinkers. Lead sinkers are to be provided at the meeting for recycling.

New Business

2021 Budget Worksheet Review:

Following review of the budget worksheet, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the 2021 budget request, seconded by Mrs. Tracey as follows:

Advertising: $ 125.00

Forms/Books: $ 100.00

Office Supplies: $ 200.00

Membership: $ 425.00

Stream Water Testing: $2500.00

Outreach/Events: $ 200.00

Seminars/Training: $ 400.00

Brochures: $ 250.00

Printing: $ 200.00

Mileage: $ 250.00

Total: $4650.00

Salaries and Wages increase is determined by the Township Committee, percentage afforded all other employees. The EC budget will remain the same as 2020.

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

Volunteer Recognition:

Mr. Branagan and Mrs. Branagan for taking photos of the Laurel Drive property for the Zoning Officer.

Endangered and Threatened Species Sightings: None.

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public 7:48 p.m.

There being no one from the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed 7:48 p.m.

Planning Board Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan – 9/16/20 Meeting

A minor subdivision was approved for Block 4308, Lots 1, 2 and 3. Community water serves the existing home(s); any new homes will require a well to be drilled; driveway locations were also approved.

Township Committee Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

Mayor Chammings reported on the usage of the Community Center as follows:

-Xmas tree lighting ceremony is planned for the beginning of December.

-Public Safety Meetings

-Tricky Tray was held and raised close to $10,000.

-Stillwater 6^th Grade Recognition group meetings

A Capital Ordinance was approved for the bathroom renovation at the center.

Township Property Sales: Mayor Chammings:

The Township Committee will hold a township-owned land sale for property (contiguous property) located on Five Points Lane ($500), Lower Lake East ($250) and two on Lower Lake West ($250). A public auction will be held for property located on Plymouth Lake Drive ($27,500), Old Schoolhouse Road ($30,000) and Mt. Benevolence Road ($250). All amounts noted are minimum sale price.

Mayor Chammings also reported the following:

-There is one property in the township that is currently working towards farmland preservation.

-Paving has been completed on Old Foundry Road; lines to be installed.

-Guardrail to be installed at sharp curve on West End Drive using the grant reimbursement funds from the County.

-COVID numbers increasing in the County and Stillwater (18).

-$18,000 CARES ACT funding can help to pay for COVID expenditures; $16,300 has already been spent.

Mr. Branagan expressed concern with the stretch of road at the end of Old Schoolhouse Road near the Hardwick line. A guardrail is needed desperately in the location where there is a steep drop off. Mayor Chammings felt a guardrail may encroach on the right of way in this area resulting in a single lane. She will follow up with the DPW Supervisor.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Tracey. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary