Environmental Minutes | September 6, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

Meeting September 6, 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 August 2, 2023, minutes made by Renee Haider and seconded by Roger Dreyling. All in favor.

Applicant A. Monroe New Jersey, (The Property)

Minor Subdivision Bulk Variance

Block 58, Lot 17.03

Spring Point at Monroe Village Inc, (Applicant and Owner)

Speaker: Peter Klouser, Attorney Heilbrunn Pape

The commission had the following concerns:

· The Commission understands that there will be no change in property use and no construction will be taking place. The purpose for this minor subdivision is to create lot 17.04 strictly for financial reasons.

· The Commission has no comments on this application.

Applicant B. Use Variance, Minor three lot subdivision and site plan.

Block 123 Lots 11-14

Block 68 Lot 41.29

45 Lower Matchoponix

Speaker: Lucille DiPasquale, Michael DiPasquale (owner)

Van Cleef Engineering

The commission had the following concerns: Block 68 Lot 41.29

· The Commission understands that Block 68, Lot 41.29 is a vacant parcel of land that is being subdivided into three residential building lots, upon which three single family dwellings will be constructed.

· Wetlands are present at the very southern end of each lot. A 50-foot buffer line is shown on the site plan entitled “Site, Grading, Utility, Landscaping, & Soil Erosion Plan” by Van Cleef Engineering dated May 15, 2023. The plan shows that the limit of disturbance does not encroach on the 50-foot wetland buffer. The Commission recommends the buffer area be provided as a recordable conservation easement to the Township of Monroe.

· The Commission recommends that all drainage from the dwellings and other improvements to the properties be directed toward Lower Matchaponix Avenue.

· The Commission understands that the vacant land was at one time farmed. No historic pesticide sampling results were provided. Historic pesticide sampling should be conducted, and the results should be submitted to the Commission for review.

· The location and species of street trees should be reviewed and approved by the township arborist.

· Any plantings to buffer the properties should contain as many New Jersey native flowering plants / bushes / trees as possible to encourage pollinators (bees, birds, insects, mammals, etc.) to thrive, including a mixture of annual and perennial plantings. These buffers also act to improve local air and water quality; and

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board in all future application submittals.

a. The commission had the following concerns: Block 123 Lots 11-14

· The Commission understands that the four lots will be merged to create two residential lots. One lot will be 100 x 100 feet and the other lot will be 100 x 130 feet. Two single family homes will be built and there are no wetlands on any of the properties.

· The Commission recommends that sidewalk and curbing be constructed as part of the development plans.

· All trees being removed / planted should be reviewed by the Township arborist.

· The MTEC is encouraging all applicants to schedule meetings with, and seek recommendations from, the Commission prior to seeking Zoning and / or Planning Board approval in all future application submittals.

Committee Reports:

a. High School Student Liaison- Giada Schwam-

BACK TO SCHOOL GREEN FAIR

● Returning members from EAC were asked to create an environmental exhibit or reuse their EcoNight presentations for this event. Anticipated amount of 5-10 exhibits. BEGINNING OF YEAR CLUB GOALS

● Retaining 80-100 members during club rush/after first meeting.

● Late October/early November - host an environmental field trip with the Middlesex County Conservation Corps. ● Multiple snack sales to raise money for EcoNight (panel, food trucks, supplies, etc.) MTHS GREEN TEAM

● Wrap up 2022 refillable water stations grant by installing plaques recognizing the club and grant sponsors.

● Beginning stages of the 2023 $2k grant to refurbish the greenhouse in the back of the school - take inventory of flowers, plants, & other items to be purchased.

● Continue preparation for new subcommittees to implement new action plans & initiatives. FALL ACTIVITIES

● Interested club members will participate in the Semi-Annual Clean Ocean Action Beach Cleanup on October 21st at Asbury Park.

● EAC will have a booth for Haunted High School with environmentally themed games and candy for the kids.

● Members will brainstorm an environmental theme and use recycled materials to decorate a hallway for MTHS Spirit Week Hall Decorating

b. Trails and Bike Paths Committee- Coordinator Karen Polidoro – Nothing to report.

c. Storm Water & Streams Committee- Coordinator Joe Slomian-Nothing to report.

d. Energy Committee – Coordinator Ken Konya-Nothing to report.

e. Open Space- Coordinator John Riggs-No Status on Masterplan.

f. Education Committee Report- Coordinator Renee Haider – Nothing to report.

g. Sustainable New Jersey – Coordinator Renee Haider-nothing to report.

h. Green Fair Committee Report – Coordinator Mihir Majmundar- Meetings are being held every Wednesday to discuss what is still needed for the green fair. Still Receiving exhibitor applications and working on booklets.

4. Planning Board – Nothing to report.

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

6. Open to Public –Comments- Erin Medlicott from Rossmoor attended the meeting. She is interested in volunteering and being a part of the commission.

7. Adjournment 8:32 PM MOTION: Renee Haider, Mihir Majmundar Second

8. NEXT MEETING DATE: October 4, 2023