September 10, 2018 Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP – ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Emmetts, Mrs. Tracey, Mr. Szabo, Mr. Dvorsky, Mrs. Branagan, Mr. Svendsen, Mr. Nause, Mr. Branagan

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Blanchard

Mr. Branagan called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 7:05 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey.

The flag was saluted and roll call taken.

Minutes

Mrs. Emmetts made a motion to approve the minutes of 8/13/18, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Branagan.

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

Bills

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

Secretary: $ 213.13

Adlai Zander (artist – VMP signage): $ 293.68

TestAmerica (stream water testing): $1,646.50

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

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:05 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:05 p.m.

Correspondence:

-NJDEP Application Notice: Block 4005, Lot 2 – Repair a malfunctioning septic system

-100% Certifiable California – WSJ – 9/10/18

Old Business

Bat Houses – Passive Side VMP:

Mr. Szabo contacted Mr. Lippencott and is waiting to hear back from him to see if any boy scout is interested in the bat house project for their Eagle Scout requirement.

Fracking Practices Resolution – Wendie Goetz/Stillwater Fracking Resolution 2011:

Mr. Branagan felt the 2011 resolution passed by the Township Committee was very comprehensive. Following a brief discussion, the EC determined a copy of the 2011 resolution should be forwarded to Wendie Goetz for her review and suggestions, if any.

TREX: This item will be added to the next agenda.

Paulins Kill Watershed Group:

The Paulinskill Clean-Up will be held on 10/27/18, volunteers are needed.

ANJEC Open Space Stewardship Grant Update:

ANJEC has granted the EC an extension to November 1, 2018 to complete the project. Mr. Blanchard provided information to ANJEC on the project to date. Mr. Branagan displayed photos of the bridge sign constructed by Bob Vendetti.

Stream Water Testing Quotes:

Test America: $1,646.50

The streamwater testing will be conducted on October 3^rd; with a back-up date of October 10^th.

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.

Mr. Dvorsky displayed a Styrofoam tackle apparatus that was disposed of in his fishing line receptacle. He questioned why such an item would be designed to be used in the environment. Mr. Branagan will bring it to Simon Peter to inquire what it actually is and if it is safe for the environment.

New Business

Tree Swallow Birdhouses Project:

The EC reviewed an email and flyer that was received from Heather Donnelly of Hackettstown regarding her Girl Scout Gold Award Project – Tree Swallow Birdhouses. Mr. Branagan is interested in pursuing the project in Stillwater and will contact Ms. Donnelly for more information. This item will be added to the next agenda.

Endangered Species Presentation:

John Rogalo of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs will provide a presentation on threatened/endangered plant and animal species at the EC meeting of October 11^th at 7 p.m.

Volunteer/Member Recognition:

None for this month.

Endangered and Threatened Species:

-Timber Rattle Snake

At this point, this portion of the meeting was opened to the public at 7:25 p.m.

There being no members of the public wishing to speak, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:25 p.m.

Swartswood State Park:

Mrs. Emmetts reported HABs were found in Little Swartswood and the lake has been closed. Toxins were present.

A lakes association meeting will be held on 9/22/18 at 10 a.m. at Camp Hoover.

A trustee meeting will be held on 9/11/18 at 4 p.m. at the State Park building.

Planning Board (PB) Liaison Report: Mr. Branagan/Mayor Chammings

-Accessory apartment conditional use ordinance and definitions was reviewed. “Cottage communities” will be removed from the ordinance. The ordinance will be considered for public hearing/adoption at the Township Committee meeting to be held on 9/18/18.

Township Liaison Report: Mayor Chammings

-The September 4, 2018 Committee meeting was cancelled due to the passing of Marion Gross, Committeeman Gross’ wife.

-The Ridge Road project is moving forward.

-The Recycling Center driveway is being addressed. A drainage ditch/pipe has been added. Once millings become available they will be spread and topped with oil and stone. The potholes will be filled. The employees are trying to improve the center overall.

Mr. Branagan stated two individuals approached him about having Styrofoam collection at the Recycling Center and disposed of at SCMUA. Mayor Chammings indicated another covered container would be necessary, as well as transportation, and it may not be financially feasible at this time. Mr. Branagan will contact Renee Casapulla at SCMUA to inquire if they would accept a large amount of Styrofoam.

Mr. Szabo spoke about a mosquito repellant product that he is trying while hunting called Thermocell. It covers a 15’ x 15’ area. It was recommended by Mr. Gardner of the DPW. Mr. Szabo will report at the next meeting as to its effectiveness.

Mrs. Emmetts mentioned the passing of former EC member Anna Fleck’s daughter recently and asked for a condolence card to be sent on behalf of the EC. Mrs. Wunder agreed to do so.

With no further business to come before the Commission, Mr. Szabo made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Emmetts. In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________________________

Kathy Wunder, Secretary