Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of December 9, 2015

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Katie Nosker

Meeting Called to Order at 7:30 P.M.

Attendance: Ralph Tolemeo (Chair), Joel Dowshen (Co-Chair), Leah Ingalsbe-Ducey, Katie Nosker, Mike Lahr

(Members of the public present): Cathy Elliott-Shaw

Minutes: Minutes from November 11, 2015 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

• BCEC Membership Recruiting
  1. Mike Lahr is stepping down from the Planning Board and BCEC as of the end of 2015
  2. Ralph encourages everyone to recruit new members
  3. Katie Nosker is considered for liaison position with Planning Board
• Planning Board Report
  1. Ralph Tolemeo reported on the Planning Board Meeting on Novemb7th. Interface Design reported on their past community and focus group meetings, and presented 3 potential scenarios:
     1. A reuse option that was all commercial
     2. A mixed use option that contained commercial and residential – most people supported the mixed use option, including Mayor and potential developer of the site

• A residential only option

1. This could be a potential area for the Environmental Commission to provide comments, such as:
   1. The Environmental Commission would like to see the Thornton Creek Trail fixed up and maintained
   2. Permeable paving

• Comprehensive stormwater management plan

1. Traffic calming

1. Mike Lahr reported on an emergency meeting of the planning board in which it was announced that the McGuire Chevy Site was officially declared an area in need of redevelopment, and that the site will be developed into a Fairfield Inn Extended Stay facility with a car wash

• Green Team Report
  1. Sustainable Jersey actions are a priority for the green team. They are submitting actions periodically as we progress toward spring
     1. Action requiring the BCEC to submit a site plan review was discussed. Cathy thinks submission is possible for this action whether or not we have
  2. On November 28^th Cathy and Cindy were on a panel regarding large, medium and small town Green Teams at the League of Municipalities conference. Conference was a success
• 2015 BCEC Budget Report – Ralph reported that $153 are left in the budget
• 2016 BCEC Budget Proposal – Green Fair, Community Garden, Green Team, speakers and plants for gardens around town and/or for the schools were agreed upon priorities. BCEC adds $1000 for community garden. Group agrees that BCEC should purchase shopping bags, and doggie bag dispensers. Other requests should be submitted to Ralph
• Fall/Winter BCEC Newsletter – prepared by Joel, newsletter is approved. He will hold off on emailing it until the submission procedures are finalized with the City. Survey is included in the newsletter

Ongoing Projects:

• Community Garden Update
  • Ralph will talk with the Mayor to determine who in City Hall will be collecting the applications and fees
• Earth Talks and Events:
  • Leah will find a presenter to talk on Community Gardens on Feb 2^nd at 7pm

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday January 13, 2016 @ 7:30 PM