MINUTES

 

TOMS RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

MARCH 10, 2008

 

 

A Regular Meeting of the Toms River Township Environmental Commission was held on Monday, March 10, 2008 in the Sunshine Room of the Toms River Township Municipal Building, 33 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ.  The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, William Suchodolski at approximately 7:30 pm. 

 

The following members of the Commission were present:  Bill Suchodolski, James Ellis, Dee Falato, David McKee, Kevin Root (8:20) and Sheila McVeigh.  Also present was Kimberly Bauer, Administrative Clerk for the Division of Conservation. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A motion was made by Comm. Ellis and seconded by Comm. McKee to approve the minutes of December 10, 2007 as well as January 14, 2008.  All eligible members present voted yes.  Motion carried.  December 10, 2007 and January 14, 2008 minutes approved.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Comm. Ellis brought in an article from the New York Times stating that Southern Baptists were backing a declaration calling for more action on climate change. 

 

The Commission discussed the ANJEC letter regarding the Grant Application for this year. 

 

A memorandum was distributed throughout the Township regarding Press Releases.  It was noted that Angela Santoriello in the Mayor’s Office would be assisting anyone in the Town with any press releases.  The Commission will be seeking clarification on this matter to see if this includes them. 

 

 

Right-to-Know surveys were submitted by the NJDEP and Cerami Lawns. 

 

A letter from the Barnegat Bay Estuary Program dated 2/18/08 was received.  Chairman Suchodolski stated that the Commission’s application for grant money was denied this year.  Chairman Suchodolski read off the nine projects that were funded.  It was also noted that this information was published in the newspaper.    

 

It was noted that Barnegat Bay Estuary Program’s Clean Up Day in April 12th at 9:00 am at Riverwood Park. 

 

The Commission discussed the grant application to be submitted to ANJEC once again.  It was noted that this application will be given to Jay Lynch, PP, for him to complete and submit.  It may be possible for the Town to have the Natural Resources Inventory completed with this money. 

 

A brochure asking people to become a Barnegat Bay Buddy was submitted to the Commission.  They felt that putting this information as a link on the Commission’s web site may be helpful.  (www.cleanoceanacation.org)

 

Chairman Suchodolski stated that he had two additional pieces of correspondence.  One noted that Little Egg Harbor will be taking part in the gypsy moth program. 

 

The NJDEP is providing a workshop for Flood Hazard Area Rules & Stream Protection. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Founder’s Day – It was noted that Pat Crosier, a former Environmental Commission Member, had received the form and partially filled it out.  The Commission discussed the idea of a Diorama Project for Fourth Grade Students in the Toms River Regional School District.  It was noted that Norma Spice could be contacted for help on this matter.  It was suggested that a poster contest be held instead of a diorama contest.  There would be less rules and regulations to place on it and it would be easier for the children. 

 

The Commission stated that each school in the district could submit 2 or 3 posters and the winner would be picked at 12:00 on Founder’s Day.  The projects may be displayed at the Ocean County Library. 

 

 

Comm. McVeigh did state that this project would entail an enormous amount of work and that there should be rules and regulations and there should be prizes for the winner. 

 

** 8:20 Kevin Root arrived **

 

The Commission also discussed a poster contest and stated that they could vote on the best one and display the top ten in the booth on Founder’s Day.  They also discussed a possible calendar contest in the future as most local banks are willing to fund them. 

 

Comm. McVeigh will put together a list of what will be necessary for this contest and pass it on to Comm. McKee.  They commission still is not sure what they will do for prizes, everyone will get a certificate though. 

 

Chairperson Suchodolski stated that there will be a seminar at Rutgers in Bordentown from 7-9:30 pm.  Comm. Ellis stated that someone from the Township should attend this seminar or the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board Engineers.  Chairperson Suchodolski will forward this information to Jay Lynch, PP, Township Planner.  Comm. Root stated that he may be able to attend. 

 

WEB PAGE COORDINATION

 

No new information. 

 

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

 

The Commission reviewed several applications on the back of the agenda.  It was noted that there was a zoning change request at Route 9 and an application for NJ American Water on the Barrier Island for water filtration.  It was noted that there was a subdivision in the Gilford Park Section of Town.  Comm. Ellis noted that this area already has very small lots.  Comm. Ellis will look at the application on Route 9 and Comm. Suchodolski will look at the small subdivision applications. 

 

EDUCATION

 

No new information

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Public education, 4th Grade Project was already discussed under Founder’s Day.

 

Recommendation/Nominees for vacancies was discussed.  The Commissioners were asked to bring any proposed names to the next meeting for them to be submitted to the Mayor for his action. 

 

The Commission discussed the outcome of the property at 1196 Marissa Drive.  Chairman Suchodolski will forward this application to Mrs. Bauer. 

 

The Commission discussed the Gypsy Moth Spraying again.  Comm. Ellis asked if only BT was being used.  It was noted that all towns that have signed on are using BT.  The Commission was unsure if Toms River was participating or not.  Someone will check with the Clerk’s Office to find out if Toms River is participating. 

 

Comm. McVeigh passed out information regarding Climate Protection and the League of Women voters.  There is an event on April 9th at 6:30. 

 

The Commission discussed the possibility of student members, they will start this in the new school year and start having the students attend in October. 

 

Trust for Public Lands Task Force will meet next Wednesday. 

 

NJNG Coal Gasification Site, no new information.   Comm. McKee stated that he is an alternate member to this committee, Chairman Suchodolski will send a letter to Joanne Petrizzo. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

None

 

Comm. McKee will meet with DEP Enforcement Officer, Michele Kropilak, and suggest that she attend the Environmental Commission Meeting.  Comm. Ellis stated that she could brief the Commission on how environmental issues are enforced. 

 

Comm.  McVeigh asked where the posters for the Founder’s Day contest will be delivered.  It was noted that they will be brought to the office and submitted to Mrs. Bauer. 

 

The Commission also discussed inviting the Mayor to attend one of their meetings in April, May or June. 

 

A motion was made and unanimously approved to adjourn.  The meeting was adjourned at approximately  9:10   pm. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Kimberly Bauer

Administrative Clerk

Conservation Office