November 18, 2022

POINT PLEASANT BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

November 18, 2022, Meeting Minutes

 

Green Team members present: Peter Ritchings, Louise Stillufsen, MJ Gradel

Environmental Commission members present: Chair Peter Ritchings, Cary Mulkeen, MJ Gradel, Anne Lightburn, Cindy Kells

Guest:  Kitty Stillufsen

 

Meeting Called to order at 7:05pm

 

  • Speaker Ms. Karen Walzer, Barnegat Bay Partnership’s Outreach Coordinator discussed and introduced the new “Jersey-Friendly Yards” certification program which focuses on healthy landscaping practices adding to better environmental practices
    1. Three certification tracks:  residents, schools and municipalities
    2. 8 Steps toward Jersey-Friendly Yards
      1. Examples include water conservation, knowledge of pesticide use, healthy soil to name a few
      2. To become certified must: complete 2 projects, such as removing invasive plants, creating a pollinator garden and 2 educational actions such as holding a workshop and have volunteers plant/garden
        1. Projects must be new and not in progress already.
        2. Consulting work for sites and plantings is not available through this program
    3. Funding is available through grants for municipalities and schools.
    4. There is no funding for residents, however residents are encouraged to complete a checklist. Must complete at least 75% of the checklist to become certified
    5. Applications for funding are due before January 16, 2023. There is a 2-step process when applying.  Applications are available on the barnegatbaypartnership.org website
    6. When funds are received, they must be spent by June.

 

***Pete mentioned that there is “no reason not to enroll.”  The commission can provide residents with information about certifying their yards as “Jersey Friendly.”

 

  1.  Kitty StiClause” referencing meeting as a guest as she wanted to address the “Removal Clause”  referencing Ordinance 2-44.4.  She mentioned that she was not served official notice in written form from the Mayor and Council for her removal from the Commission.  She stated that she was not given proper due process.  Kitty was instrumental in partnering with Save Barnegat Bay, she has 20 plus years of volunteer history, and she is a founding member of the Shade Tree Commission.   Concerns stem from social media usage.   Kitty will also express her concerns to the Mayor and Council members.

 

  1.  Minutes from the October 27, 2022, meeting were reviewed and corrected.
    1. Anne made a motion to accept.
    2. Cary seconded the motion.

 

  1.  Green Team Update:
    1. Louise spoke with Cathy Sogorka and Cathy agreed to help with outstanding actions not yet completed.  Cathy managed the website and assumed the role of leader of the Green Team
      1. Louise has graciously offered to step up as leader, and to replace Cathy’s role. The Commission has accepted her offer.

 

  1. Treasurer Report–the 2023 budget was discussed, and all agreed to request $4,000 divided amongst Education and Outreach, Conference Seminar and Symposiums, and Commission Projects.
    1. Anne made a motion to approve the 2023 Budget request
    2. Cary seconded the motion.
    3. All members are in favor.

 

  1.  Ongoing Business:
  1. Water Street Project
  2. Anne discussed with the members the need for the Water Street dune grass/plant replenishment. A discussion was held and it was agreed that the sand level should be lowered. Anne will contact Chris Riehl and copy Mike Ramos to inquire about the removal.
  3. There was discussion of the possibility of “pay now and pick up later” for materials.  This is not an option at this point.
  4. It was decided that planting should be done at a later date, and it will be discussed as spring approaches.

 

  1. Boardwalk water bottle filling stations
    1. The application was sent to Chris Riehl.  Anne will check in with her on an update/progress of the application

 

 

  1. Fishing line receptacles
    1. We have them and they need to be installed.  We also have signs to be placed near the receptacles.  Pete will check in with the DPW on this project.

 

  1. School Contact
    1. Cindy reported that Will Smith, Superintendent,  Nathan Grosshandler and Tara Weber, Principals of the HS and Antrim have been contacted regarding a partnership with the schools.  Will reported that the schools also work with the Sustainable Jersey program, and he agreed to work with the Environmental Commission.  Tara reported that Kim Hoffman is the Environmental Committee chair at Antrim, and Nate reported that the Environmental Committee at the HS is student run. Annie Foo is the representative, and she will be reaching out to Cindy.  Cindy will reach out to Nate during the first week in December if she does not hear back from Annie.

 

VII.  Discussion was held about the notification of permit and the Waterfront Development application. This will “rehabilitate the former Gull Island CDF.”  This will occur on the Point Pleasant Beach side of Gull Island.

 

VIII.  Anne reminded the members to mark their calendars for the holiday celebration that will take place on December 16.  The location is TBD, but an inquiry has been made Offshore.  The cost there is $40pp.  The Whiskey Lounge in Brielle and the Boat Yard might be other options.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:06pm

 

Next meeting:  December 22, 2022, 7pm in the Borough Hall.