Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Committee
May 11, 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 7:05 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: Louise Stillufsen
Environmental Commission Members present: Chair Peter Ritchings, Anne Lightburn, Cathy Sogorka, and Cary Mulkeen.
Environment Commission Members absent with reason: Council Liaison Cayrn Byrnes and Patti Villani
Guests in attendance: Mayor Kanitra, Clem Bremer, Ocean Star Reporter, Tyler Springsteen, Kristian O'Rourke, and Elaine Garcia
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. There was a specific discussion regarding action items that need to be uploaded to the Sustainable Jersey website in advance of the June 14, 2020 deadline.
Cathy Sogorka has been in contact with Patty Kile and Department of Public Works Director, John Trout, in an effort to obtain information regarding recycling and waste reduction education, household hazardous waste and the recycling depot/center.
Green team membership information and the January 4, 2020 Sustainable Use Resolution were uploaded to the Sustainable Jersey page.
Environmental Commission Meeting:
Report of Officers:
There was no mail or application notices for the Commission to discuss during this meeting.
Treasurer Report:
At the time of this meeting, the Environmental Commission budget had not yet been approved. Since the meeting, Treasurer Anne Lightburn has advised that the approved 2020 Environmental Commission budget is $4,000.
Council Status Report
Mayor Kanitra updated the Commission on a number of initiatives including the application of the $30,000 Stormwater Grant, a comprehensive lake management plan for all three (3) of Point Pleasant Beach’s coastal lakes, the continued search for a cost-effective aeration device for Lake of the Lilies, work on a new/updated municipal website, storm drain and underground storm drain infrastructure maintenance including contacting Ocean County regarding the clean out of the stromceptor device that discharges to Lake of the Lilies.
There was some discussion regarding revisions to land development and landscape related ordinances requiring that for new development or property redevelopment a small percentage of the area outside of the building envelope the plant material, preferably native plant material.
There was a discussion regarding the DPW Recycling Sticker Program. Due to current circumstances, further consideration of that program may be taken up late summer or early fall.
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
Planning Board
Chair Peter Ritchings advised that there have been no Planning Board applications or meetings since March.
Ongoing Business Status Reports:
A number of these agenda items were discussed during the Council Status Report.
After visit from the Borough Code Enforcement Officer, it is reported that the Wine Emporium has converted to the use of paper bags in compliance with the May 2018 Plastic Bag Ban.
The Commission asked about the status of the cigarette receptacles that are supposed to be placed at the inlet. The cigarette receptacles were received in February, but have not been placed at the inlet yet.
Upcoming Events:
Marine Mammal Stranding Center presentation rescheduled to be determined
Next Green Team/Environmental Commission Meeting June 8, 2020.
Next meeting has been scheduled for June 8, 2020
Cathy Sogorka made a motion to adjourn, a second by Anne Lightburn and the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully,
Peter Ritchings
