Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Environmental Commission/Green Team Advisory Committee
May 26, 2022 Meeting Minutes
The May 26, 2022 Green Team Meeting was called to order at 7:04.
Environmental Commission Members present: Chair, Peter Ritchings, Cathy Sogorka, Anne Lightburn, Cary Mulkeen, Patti Villani and Counsel Liaison, Mike Ramos.
Green Team Advisory Committee Members present: Mary Jo Gradel and Louise Stiffufsen
Green Team Meeting
Application submitted to Sustainable Jersey.
Cathy reported on Green Grounds and Maintenance – Action Calls for a policy that proclaims that we will employ “green” methods on town grounds. Mike Ramos will follow up.
Patty Kile is still working on recycling action.
Pete is working on the Monarch Butterfly station. Kitty may contact the elementary school to get the children involved. Kitty will follow up with the School Superintendent.
Mary Jo – Anti Idling Action requires a resolution, there would be a need for signage and education.
Cary – Tobacco Free Action
Patti has entered information on the Community Food Pantry Action. She will attempt to add a photograph.
Environmental Commission Meeting
The May 26, 2022 Environmental Commission meeting was called to order at 7:40.
Patti Villani is resigning from the Environmental Commission due to her upcoming move to Point Pleasant Borough.
Mary Jo Gradel indicated that she would like to be considered for an appointed position on the Environmental Commission. Commission members present were in unanimous agreement that Mary Jo Gradel should be nominated for an appointed position on the Commission.
Kitty will take over as Commission Secretary.
Anne made motion to accept minutes as edited, Cathy seconded.
Committee Guidelines – discussion of number of members in attendance for a quorum.
Also discussed was the need for the Town Administrator to approve any social media posts or discussions with media. Also discussed was the process of acquiring a purchase order for items. Members were instructed to discuss concerns with guidelines with the Town Administrator.
A discussion of the use of personal email accounts for Environmental Commission business. It was suggested that each member create a separate account strictly for the Environmental Commission.
The Environmental Commission and Shade Tree Commission will invite others to attend the dedication of the Peace Tree.
We received a copy of application for CAFRA General Permit and a Waterfront Development Individual Permit to be submitted to the State EPA.
Street Ends: Rosa Ragusa will be replaced by native coastal plants. The New Jersey Avenue street end will be done first. At this time, Anne motioned the Environmental Commission will ask Chris Riehl to wait on remaining three (3) street ends until the fall. Cathy seconded. Passed.
The Little Library is damaged. The hinges may not be strong enough to hold the door. It needs to be repaired. Mr. Stiffufsen will be asked to assist with this effort.
Our Firehouse strip is in need of some pruning and cleaning out. Members will meet on Saturday at 10:00.
Pesticides – Kitty attended a training and briefed us on what she learned. She will contact the Town Administrator about engaging the head of DPW in the efforts to lessen the use of pesticides.
June 20th at 7:00 PM is the Brick Planning Board meeting at the Brick Civic Center on Chambers Bridge Road to discuss the sale of Breton Woods. Members of the community want to save the thirty (30) acres of woods. Ocean County Land Trust and Save Barnegat Bay are interested.
Leave Only Your Footprints (LOYF) Organization is still communicating with Cathy. She will inform them that we are not interested at this time.
A water bottle filling station is being installed at the gazebo. Cary is requesting that one (1) be placed at the inlet and one (1) at the Police Station on the boardwalk.
Motion to adjourn at 8:58 by Cathy Sogorka, seconded by Anne Lightburn.
