Environmental Minutes | August 2, 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Meeting August 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM
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),
_×_ Siddhi Patil (Student Associate)
_√_ Mihir Majmundar,
_×_ John Riggs
_×_ Surabhi Agarwal
_√_ Theresa Zamorski (Secretary)
Adoption of Minutes–: A Motion to approve the June 6, 2023, minutes made by Mihir Majmundar and seconded by Roger Dreyling. All in favor.
Applicant A. No Applicants.
4. Committee Reports:
High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-
ECONIGHT RECAP
● The 4th Annual EcoNight Event took place at MTHS on April 18th. Overall, the actionable
conversation panel, trivia, refreshments, environmental exhibits, and games were a
success and this was a great turn out!
● Actionable Conversation Panelists’ Contact Information:
· Ashlyn Spector (Environmental Analysis Communication Group and New Jersey
· Climate Change Resource Center) - http://eac.rutgers.edu/spector/
· Kathleen Parrish (Program Coordinator, Office of Climate Action & Megalopolitan
· Coastal Transformation Hub at Rutgers) -
· Christopher Sikroski (District Recycling Coordinator for Office of Health Services,
Division of Solid Waste) -
○ Brynn Mosello (Sustainability and Communications Director at Mazda Recycling) -
MAY
MTHS GREEN TEAM
● 2023 Sustainable Jersey Grant - The MTHS Grant Team won the $2k grant to refurbish the
greenhouse in the back of the school. The project will also include educating club
members on various plants, flowers, and other greenery in coordination with the special
education students.
● Refillable Water Stations - EAC will purchase interchangeable signs that will be installed
next to each water station that will recognize the club, the grant sponsors, and include an
environmental fact or quote of inspiration that the club could change each month.
JUNE & JULY
● New GT & EBoard Members - These leadership positions will get a head start on next
school year and get our school on track for certification.
● June BOE Meeting - The MTHS Grant Team was recognized at the June BOE meeting for the School Greenhouse $2k grant.
a. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.
b. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian- Working with Helmetta NJ and Spotswood NJ to clean up Devoe Lake, Daniel Road, and Old Forge Road by the Creek.
c. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.
d. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.
e. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider –
f. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-
g. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar-
Green Fair Flyers are finalized and now can be added to the Monroe Township website. Senior Communities will publish the flyers on their TV Channels.
We are still receiving Exhibitor applications and checks.
5. Planning Board – Nothing to report
6. Old Business – New Business – Nothing to report.
7. Open to Public –On August 1, 2023, Roger Dreyling attended an on-line presentation, hosted by ANJEC, concerning the new Inland Flood Protection Rule. This rule was signed by the Governor and then became law upon being published in the New Jersey Register in mid-July. It updates New Jersey’s rules/requirements concerning freshwater wetlands, precipitation, and flooding (a new rule concerning salt water flooding is coming in 2024). Until now New Jersey’s rules and regulations concerning freshwater wetlands and flooding have been based on past data, primarily from the 1990s. The new Inland Flood Protection Rule regulations are designed to deal with climate changes, current and anticipated future conditions. The new Rule increases the first-floor elevation from two to four feet above the freshwater flood elevation level and, I believe, increased the holding capacity of retention basins. Municipalities have one year to modify their regulations to comply with the requirements in the new Flood Protection Rule. Flood insurance was also discussed during the presentation. Premiums will be lower for structures built with a four-foot 1st floor elevation. People who do not live in a flood hazard zone can purchase flood insurance, at a reduced cost.
8. Adjournment 8:33 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Roger Dreyling Second.
9. NEXT MEETING DATE: September 6, 2023.