Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Environmental Commission & Green Team Advisory Committee
July 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes
This meeting was conducted remotely, online via Zoom, with the invitation being forwarded by Council Representative, Doug Vitale.
Meeting commenced at approximately 7:00 PM with the Sunshine Law/Roll Call.
Adequate notice of the time and place of this meeting was given under the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and was posted and sent to the officially designated newspapers in compliance with the law.
Attendance
Green Team Advisory Committee Members present: Peter Ritchings, Cathy Sogorka, Caryn Brynes
Environmental Commission Members present: Chair Peter Ritchings, Anne Lightburn, Cathy Sogorka, Cary Mulkeen, Christopher Porzio and Council Liaison Caryn Brynes
Environment Commission Members absent with reason: Patti Villani
Green Team Meeting:
The Green Team Advisory Committee meeting commenced at approximately 7:10 PM.
Cathy Sogorka led the discussion regarding the Status for Sustainable Jersey Effort and a continued discussion of those actions in progress towards maintaining Bronze Certification and striving for Silver Certification. The application remains “locked” and should be accessible again in mid-late July.
The was a lengthy discussion of evaluating various grant opportunity including the Clean Communities Grant Program through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The Green Team members present agreed to target the NJDEP Clean Communities Grant for next year. There was also a discussion of a Sustainable Jersey Clean Ground/ Community Maintenance Policy.
Cathy Sogorka went through a quick summary of the Sustainable Jersey Point Tally Free Completed Actions.
The Green Team Advisory Committee meeting concluded at approximately 7:40 p.m.
Environmental Commission Meeting:
Report of Officers:
There was no mail or application notices for the Commission to discuss during this meeting.
Treasurer Report:
Treasurer Anne Lightburn has advised that the approved 2020 Environmental Commission budget is $4,000. Expenditures to date total $1,045.12 leaving a budget balance of $2,954.88.
Council Status Report
Liaison Caryn Brynes updated the Commission on recent Council meeting actions.
There was a discussion regarding the recently proposed amendment to the Shade Tree Ordinance.
Committee Task Force & Project Status
Shade Tree Commission & Open Space Advisory Committee
Anne Lightburn updated the Environmental Commission on the actions of the Shade Tree Commission and Open Space Advisory Committee.
There was a question leading to a discussion regarding beach access, particularly after hours. The question was based on an observation that Jenkinsons Beach blocks access point after operating hours.
Planning Board
Chair Peter Ritchings advised that there have been no Planning Board applications or meetings since March.
Ongoing Business Status Reports:
The Commission further discussed a volunteer project involving the clean –up and replanting of the landscape area along Arnold Avenue, generally between the Post Office and Fire Station. The project will largely be carried out by High School student volunteers with the assistance and oversight of the Commission and a Landscape Professional.
There was a discussion regarding recycling receptacles throughout town, and the number of receptacles that do not have the informative stickers that were previously applied by Environmental Commission volunteers.
A motion was made by Cary Mulkeen recommending the purchase of additional recycling stickers through All Points Printing to be applied on those recycling receptacles that need them. The motion was seconded by Cathy Sogorka. All four (4) Environmental Commission Members present, Cary Mulkeen, Cathy Sogorka, Anne Lightburn and Peter Ritchings, voted in favor of the purchase of additional informative recycling stickers at a cost of $375.00.
Chair Peter Ritchings advised the Commission regarding a potential dune violation and has had communications with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Enforcement and the Coastal Engineering Office
Upcoming Events:
Marine Mammal Stranding Center presentation rescheduled to be determined
Next Green Team/Environmental Commission Meeting August 11, 2020.
Cathy Sogorka made a motion to adjourn, a second by Cary Mulkeen and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully, Peter Ritchings
