Environmental Minutes | October 5, 2022

TOWNSHIP OF MONROE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting October 5, 7:00PM

1. CALL TO ORDER- Chairwoman Karen Polidoro
Pledge to Flag

2. Sunshine Law- Read into the record

3. Roll Call – (Commissioners and Associates)
_√_ Karen Polidoro (Chair), _√_ Rupa Siegal (Council Liaison)
_√_ Renee Haider, _√_ Roger Dreyling
_√_ Ken Konya, _√_ Joe Slomian
_√_ Giada Schwam (Student Liaison), __ Daria Ludas
_√_ Mihir Majmundar, _√_ John Riggs
__ Lucille di Pasquale, _√_ Surabhi Agarwal
__ Irene Goldberg, _√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)

Adoption of Minutes: Karen moved to approve September 7th, 2022 minutes, Renee Haider motioned, All in favor.

4. Application A. Apple Realty, LLC
Block 47.01, Lot 8.01

Speaker: Rosalind Westlake
Rosalind Westlake, ESQ, LLC
Daniel Distefano

a. The commission had the following concerns:
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that current traffic flow pattern at the Apple Plaza property continue as it is today and not be modified as a result of proposed lot line change separating the northern and southern ends of the property.
• If there is any change to the landscaping as a result of the lot change, the MTEC is encouraging all applicants to landscape with as many New Jersey native flowering plants/bushes as possible to encourage pollinator (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Monroe Township Environmental Commission prior to seeking Zoning and/or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Application B. Guru Nanak Sikh Heritage, Inc. Phase II
Block 13, Lot 2
Speaker: John Ploskonka
Concept Engineering
Consultants, PA.

c. The commission had the following concerns:
• The Commission Requests that the township planner field review and approve the final landscaping plan.
• We understand that the landscaping plans revised as of October 4, 2022, include nine Norway Spruce on the North side of the proposed sport building, Five Compact Japanese Holly on the north side of the building addition, and two Norway Spruce to be relocated in the center of the proposed final site plan along the south side of the proposed sidewalk.
• The Commission is encouraging all applicants to landscape with as many New Jersey native flowering plants/bushes as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings.
• It is our understanding that 2 Cree OSQ LED light Type IV Medium W/BLS Distribution, 166 Watts and 20 ft Mounting Height lighting will be installed on the south side and front of proposed building. Additionally, one light at the bend in the walkway of the same type will be installed.
• It is recommended that all lighting be LED, motion sensitive, and downward facing, to eliminate ad much light pollution as possible during the evening hours.
• The Commission recommends that the land under the power line easement and to the east of the easement be preserved as open space in perpetuity except for a 30’ wide sewer line ROW along the northern side of the property. This will expand the preserved wetlands area to the south of block 13, lot 2.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendation from, the MTEC prior to seeking Zoning and/ or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Application C. Solar Farms, Farrington Boulevard
Block 8, Lot 2.09
Speaker: Crest Engineering
Lorali E Totten

c. The commission had the following concerns:
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to landscape with as many New Jersey native flowering plants /bushes as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings.
• The Monroe Township Commission recommends that the applicant and any successors comply with all state and local wetlands regulations and if the buffer area is currently grass or weeds, we recommend that it can only mowed once per year during the month of November or December, benefiting both insects and wildlife habitats.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends a visual buffer of evergreen plantings (not White Pine between Perrineville Road and the proposed building.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends that there only be signage on Farrington Boulevard at the access point for the applicants building.
• It is recommended that all lighting be LED, downward facing, and motion sensitive to eliminate as much light as pollution as possible during the evening hours.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission recommends installing at least one EV charging parking space.
• The Monroe Township Environmental Commission is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Monroe Township Environmental Commission prior to seeking Zoning and/ or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

5. Committee Reports:

a. High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-
• Back to school: Informed new and returning members of the membership requirements, Green Team Grant, leadership and volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.
• Monroe Township Green Team: During the two meetings last month, the Green Team has decided to work on completing the Promote Locally Grown Foods, Community/School Garde, Outdoor Classroom, Food Waste Management, & Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and promotion Initiatives actions.
• Club Rush: EAC has gained 10 new members from the presentation of the club’s goals & environmental events during the club rush event.
• Green Fair Prep: There are a total of 12 students who have signed up to present at the Green Fair. There will be a total of 6 different exhibits, ranging from Endangered Animals to Nuclear Energy. The final report for the grant project is planned to be completed before the end of December. A couple of items will be needed to submit the final report, such as the plaques and student feedback.
b. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro -
c. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian-Nothing to report.
d. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-
• Panasonic is introducing Whisper Air Repair. It is an advanced spot air purification and odor elimination unit that purifies the room within 24 hours. It kills bacteria, viruses and purifies the room. It is being approved in a lot of the industries, Hotels & Hospitality, Light Commercial and Single & Multi Family Homes.
e. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

f. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider –
• We had 390 points for our Monroe Sustainable Jersey Certification. There were 9 actions approved and 3 not approved, Leaving us at silver status.

g. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-
• The League of Municipalities annual luncheon will be held on Tuesday November 15, 2022 11:30 AM at the Sheraton Hotel Atlantic City, NJ. All members interested in going need to register.
h. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar-

6. Planning Board – Nothing to report

7. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.

8. Open to Public –Comments- Daria Ludas (Jamesburg)
9. Adjournment 8:29 pm Motion: John Riggs Second: Renee Haider

10. NEXT MEETING DATE: November 2, 2022