Borough of Point Pleasant Beach 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
I. 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
A. Three certification tracks: residents, schools and municipalites
B. 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
a) Projects must be new and not in progress already.
b) Consulting work for sites and plantings is not available
through this program
C. Funding is available through grants for municipalities and schools
D. 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
E. 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
F. 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.”
II. Kitty Stillufsen attended the 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.
III. Minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting were reviewed and corrected.
A. Anne made a motion to accept
B. Cary seconded the motion
IV. Green Team Update:
A. Louise spoke with Cathy Sogorka and Cathy agreed to help with
outstanding actions not yet completed. Cathymanaged 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.
V. 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.
A. Anne made a motion to approve the 2023 Budget request
B. Cary seconded the motion
C. All members are in favor
VI. Ongoing Business:
1. Water Street Project
A. Anne discussed with the members the need for the Water Street dune
grass/plant replenishment. A discussion was held and it was agreed upon
that the sand level should be lowered. Anne will contact Chris Riehll and
copy Mike Ramos to inquire about the removal.
B. There was discussion of the possibility of “pay now and pick up later” for
materials. This is not an option at this point.
C. It was decided that planting should be done at a later date, and it will be
discussed as spring approaches.
2. Boardwalk water bottle filling stations
A. The application was sent to Chris Riehl. Anne will check in with her on an
update/progress of the application
3. Fishing line receptacles
A. 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.
4. School Contact
A. 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 at the OffShore. Cost there is $40pp. 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.
