Meeting Minutes

[obi_monthly_archive] April 2016

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of April 13, 2016

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

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

Attendance: Ralph Tolemeo (Chair), Katie Nosker, Andy Richardson, Ralph Simon, Joel Dowshen (Co-Chair)

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

Minutes: Minutes from March 9, 2016 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • Ralph welcomes BCEC’s new member, Ralph Simon
  • Green Team Report
    1. Cathy reports that the Green Team is focusing on the Green Fair on June 11, 2016, and the application to Sustainable Jersey for certification this spring.
    2. For the Green Fair, Cathy reports they will need help:
      1. The day of the event, particularly at the end of the day
      2. Staffing the BCEC table
  • Distributing flyers
  1. Posting a sandwich board at the Farmer’s Market (Ralph)
  2. Leah is organizing a plant swap and will need help (Joel)
  3. Organizing the Kid’s Passport activity
  • Providing coffee for vendors
  • Planning Board Report
    1. Mike Tuney was out, so Cathy reported on the Commissioner’s meeting that she attended. Cathy stated that the consultants presented three potential scenarios for how the Ocean Spray site might be developed. The scenario that was accepted was a mix of commercial and residential uses. The Commissioners capped the residential component at 150 units. The County developed an ordinance to go with the plan.
    2. At the same meeting, the Green Team and Creative Team were confirmed, the Commissioners passed a sustainable land use pledge, and they supported anti-idling education
  • Hilltop Park cleanup has been postponed. Ralph is following up.
  • City Police Department is participating in a drug drop-off site in the City’s Police Department. Ralph is following up on this. Joel has developed a press release

Ongoing Projects:

  • Storage cleanup has begun. Another date will need to be scheduled
  • Unitarian Church will be doing a cleanup of Lime Kiln Alley and the Butterfly Garden
  • Community Garden Update
    1. Will need to establish a management committee
    2. The dedication of the garden to Ellen Wehrman will be in early June
    3. The Community Garden Earth Talk went well and was well attended
  • Joel has made significant improvements to the BCEC website, including a calendar that has been added with events
  • Earth Talks and Events:
    1. Tuesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.—Green Team Meeting
    2. Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Take Back Drugs at Carslake Gym
    3. Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m.—Rain Barrel Workshop at Carslake Conference Room
    4. Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.—BCEC Meeting at Carslake
    5. Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.—Green Team Meeting
    6. Saturday & Sunday, May 21 & 22–Street Fair with BCEC booth staffing
    7. Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.—Bordentown City Water Department Earth Talk at Carslake
    8. Friday & Saturday, June 10 & 11—Green Fair at Carslake
      • Friday night—Set Up
      • Saturday all day—staffing needs

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday May 11, 2016 @ 7:30 PM.

[obi_monthly_archive] March 2016

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of March 9, 2016

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Katie Nosker

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

Attendance: Ralph Tolemeo (Chair), Katie Nosker, Mike Tuney, Joe Malone (Mayor), Andy Richardson

(Members of the public present): Ralph Simon, Mike Maloney, Cathy Elliott-Shaw

Minutes: Minutes from February 10, 2016 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • BCEC Membership Recruiting
    1. Ralph encourages everyone to recruit new members
  • Green Team Report
    1. Cathy reports that the Green Team is focusing right now on the Green Fair on June 11, 2016, and the application to Sustainable Jersey for certification this spring. Katie and Andy are working on actions and will provide write-ups to Cathy
    2. The Green Team would like to re-establish a Creative Team, which was formed in 2013, but has since lapsed into inaction. This creative team would complete an inventory of creative attributes in town and then use them to coordinate activities and promote the town
    3. The next Green Team meeting will be on March 15th at 7pm at Carslake Community Center
  • Planning Board Report
    1. A joint meeting was held with Bordentown Township to discuss proposed changes to Investors Bank
    2. A meeting was also held do discuss the Ocean Spray development. It is moving along. The most critical time for input will be when the plan exists. Three proposals were submitted for the site including one with all residential, one with all commercial, and one with a mix of residential and commercial
    3. The Bob McGuire Chevrolet site will be redeveloped into an extended stay hotel and car wash
  • BCEC Budget
    1. Ralph reports that BCEC will receive $5,000 a year from the city.
    2. Ralph has ordered doggy bags
  • Community Garden
    1. Mike Tuney will till community garden
    2. 22 people have reserved plots so far
    3. The City will fill rain barrels this year. If it does well, the Mayor will consider running a water line next year
    4. The garden will be dedicated to Ellen Wehrman this June. Ralph will remind the Mayor to provide a plaque or sign
    5. The Current wants to do an article on the Community Garden. They will reach out in April for this story
  • BCEC website – Ralph reports on Joel’s behalf that the website is in progress
  • Elcon proposed Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility in Fairless Hills, PA – Mayor reports that this is going to happen, but BCEC would be welcome to go on the record in opposition. BCEC approves an action to write a letter in opposition to this facility that Ralph will write
  • PSE&G notification for “Repair, Replacement & Maintenance of Natural Gas Transmission Mains” – Mayor reports that the City is going to write a letter and amicus brief in opposition to the current plan and route
  • Clean Communities Grant
    1. Mayor reports that the City has 7-8 trash/recycling cans to distribute around town
  • Mayor would like to form a housing authority to tackle the problem of derelict properties
  • Mayor reports that Bordentown City is going to revamp their website
  • Andy attended the Downtown Bordentown Association meeting. He reports that:
    1. DBA will allow BCEC to post events on their website
    2. DBA is interested in learning how to green businesses. Cathy notes that BCEC can promote the Green Business award.
    3. BCEC can provide businesses with reusable bags

Ongoing Projects:

  • Earth Talks and Events:
    1. Leah will conduct community garden earth talk on March 22nd at 7pm. This will include discussions on backyard composting, tilling, plot size and the creation of a management committee
    2. Hilltop Park Clean-Up by Bordentown Kiwanis on April 2 at 12pm
    3. Tree Planting by the Shade Tree Commission will occur on April 16, 2016 at 10am at City Hall
    4. Rain Barrel workshop in April
    5. April 2nd at 12pm – cleanup of Hilltop Park with the Kiwanis
    6. Take back drugs day – April 30 from 9am to 2pm at Carslake
    7. City Police Department will participate in a drug dropoff site in the City’s police department
    8. Street Fair – May 21st and 22nd. Topics will be the community garden, composting and the Green Fair
    9. Earth Talk by Bordentown City Water Department in May
    10. Iris Festival – May 14th
    11. Green Fair – June 11
    12. Cranberry Festival – October 1&2
  • BCEC will get together at 6:30 at the next meeting on April 13th to clean out materials in Sally’s office

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.

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

[obi_monthly_archive] February 2016

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of February 10, 2016

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 Tuney, Joe Malone (Mayor)

(Members of the public present): Ralph Simon, Mike Maloney

Minutes: Minutes from January 13, 2016 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • BCEC Membership Recruiting
    1. Ralph encourages everyone to recruit new members
  • Green Team Report
    1. Ralph reports on behalf of Cathy. Cathy would like to encourage participation from BCEC in the Green Team, and would like to encourage new members to attend
    2. Cathy inquires if BCEC would like to develop a position regarding:
      1. The pipeline
      2. The hazardous waste proposal across the Delaware
    3. BCEC determines that they will individually research these items and come prepared for discussion next time
  • Planning Board Report
    1. Mike Tuney reports that a 4 story hotel with 128 rooms and a car wash have been approved on the McGuire Chevrolet site
    2. Joe Malone reports that a temporary system has been installed to remove radon from the City’s water. The City is now bidding to drill new wells. The radon levels are down. Bordentown does not have a lead problem in the water. The city is adding a sequestering agent to coat pipes
  • BCEC Budget
    1. Any budget requests should be sent to Ralph. Ralph will work with Mayor Malone
    2. Joe Malone wants to set up an ordinance to guarantee funds to BCEC and other city entities. This will be more permanent than resolutions, which are currently used
    3. BCEC is able to do fundraisers if they choose – perhaps for community garden activities
    4. BCEC is a member of ANJEC. We pay annual dues to belong to this group.
  • Fall/Winter BCEC Newsletter – prepared by Joel, newsletter has been sent
  • Community Garden
    1. Leah will work with Grace on accepting money and applications for plots
    2. Current is considering running an article about the garden in their next publication
    3. The garden will be officially named for Ellen Wehrman. Joe Malone suggests that if BCEC writes a memo to him, he can make this official at the city level.
    4. An opening will be done in May
  • Website – Joel is now in charge of the website. He has moved the website to a new server and is updating the format and content

Ongoing Projects:

  • Earth Talks and Events:
    • Leah will conduct community garden earth talk on March 22nd at 7pm. This will include discussions on backyard composting, tilling, plot size and the creation of a management committee
    • Rain Barrel workshop in April
    • April 2nd at 12pm – cleanup of Hilltop Park with the Kiwanis
    • Street Fair – May 21st and 22nd. Topics will be the community garden, composting and the Green Fair
    • Earth Talk by Bordentown City Water Department in May
    • Green Fair – June 11
    • Cranberry Festival – October

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday March 9, 2016 @ 7:30 PM.

[obi_monthly_archive]January 2016

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of January 13, 2016

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 Tuney, Andy Richardson, Keith Onsdorff, Joe Malone (Mayor)

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

Minutes: Minutes from December 9, 2015 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • BCEC Membership Recruiting
    1. Ralph encourages everyone to recruit new members
    2. Mike Tuney is appointed to the Planning Board
  • Planning Board Report
    1. Katie drafted memo of support to the Planning Board regarding the Ocean Spray site. BCEC supports the comment and makes edits. BCEC would like to meet with Interface Design to discuss plans. Katie will make edits and send to Mike Tuney for presentation to the Planning Board.
    2. Joe Malone reports on Planning Board and other city activities:
      1. 5 houses were approved in the Feed Mill site
      2. A developer, Chris Vernon, is working on a hotel on the McGuire Chevrolet site. The plan is to break ground in April. Part of the property is in the City, while part is in the township. This property will have a large digital sign that the city will be able to use to promote events. Developer is considering a shuttle from the hotel to the City’s downtown.
  • The City is working with Fieldsboro on some shared services, including police and other services
  1. Joe Malone wants to start an Executive Council to demonstrate how Bordentown’s form of government works
  2. The City now owns properties that are derelict. The plan is to raze them or turn them over.
  3. A gazebo is going to be constructed on the beach soon. The permits for this have been acquired. Another gazebo will be going up at Hilltop Park.
  • The City has a grant for playground equipment. They will be replacing equipment in City parks
  • Radiological contaminants have been found in Bordentown City water, which is shared with other municipalities. A temporary filtration system has been installed. The City is taking samples to determine if contaminants are reaching city homes. New wells are being drilled. This is a 6-9 month process. The City held a hearing about this issue. Joe Malone stated that he could ask the engineering firm do an Earth Talk in May on this issue
  • 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. Ralph is working on prescription drug collection action
      2. Katie and Mike are working on an action for the BCEC to provide recommendations to the Planning Board
  • Leah is working on a community garden action and reusable bags action
  1. Joel is working on a recycling action
  2. Andy is working on a school garden action
  1. January is Radon awareness month – check your homes!
  • BCEC Budget
    1. Any budget requests should be sent to Ralph
    2. Joe Malone wants to set up an ordinance to guarantee funds to BCEC and other city entities. This will be more permanent than resolutions, which are currently used
    3. BCEC is able to do fundraisers if they choose – perhaps for community garden activities
    4. BCEC is a member of ANJEC. We pay annual dues to belong to this group.
  • 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
    • Leah will talk with Grace about fee collection and registration.
    • City will distribute Community Garden flyer
  • Earth Talks and Events:
    • Leah will conduct community garden earth talk on March 22nd at 7pm
    • Consider pollination station to do Earth talk on February 2nd
    • Street Fair – May 21st and 22nd
    • Pat Skelly has been awarded the 2015 Excellence in Environmental Education Award. There will be a dinner and conference on January 22nd

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday February 10, 2016 @ 7:30 PM

 

[obi_monthly_archive]December 2015

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 28th 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 2nd at 7pm

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

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

[obi_monthly_archive]October 2015

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of October 14, 2015

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Katie Nosker

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

Attendance: Joel Dowshen (Co-Chair), Leah Ingalsbe-Ducey, Katie Nosker, Andy Richardson, Keith Onsdorff, Mike Lahr

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

Minutes: Minutes from September 9, 2015 approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • Group updated BCEC Membership List
  • Schedule for Fall-Winter Earth Talks and Events:
    1. Pat suggests that the Conserve Wildlife group could do a talk on eagles’ nests
    2. Ralph is setting up a tour of the Burlington County Recycling Center
    3. Ralph has tried contacting Cedar Run, Pinelands, and Pollination Station but has not heard back
    4. Pat mentions that Tony from Buzzy Bee coordinates the Native Plant Society, and could provide a presentation and answer questions
    5. Joel suggests that we could do an event in late winter related to the Community Garden
    6. Andy suggested that he could do an earth talk next September on butterflies
  • Planning Board Report
    1. Mike Lahr reports that there will be an emergency meeting regarding the McGuire Chevrolet Redevelopment Site on Sept 19th
    2. Ralph reports that final approval was granted for the construction of 5 houses on Ann Street between 3rd and Spring.
    3. A subdivision from 1 to 2 lots was approved on the corner of Bank and 3rd.
    4. A homeowner on Willow Street was given approval to extend the rear of her house so as to enlarge her kitchen and create a 1st floor bathroom.
  • Green Team Report
    1. Cathy reports that the next priorities will be to review actions for continued certification with Sustainable Jersey
    2. On November 28th Cathy and Cindy will be on a panel regarding small town Green Teams at the League of Municipalities conference
  • 2015 BCEC Budget Report – Funds will be spent by the end of the year including expenditures for the Community Garden and newsletters
  • 2016 BCEC Budget Proposal – Green Fair, Community Garden, Green Team were agreed upon priorities
  • Cranberry Festival Review – Group agrees to start earlier next year recruiting volunteers to work the booth. Perhaps this could be included in the meeting calendar presented at the start of a year
  • Fall/Winter BCEC Newsletter – Joel will work on this. Community Garden will be the focus. Leah will provide Joel with information on the community garden
  • Lime Kiln
    1. Pat noted that the DDUU’s have taken over maintenance of Lime Kiln Alley’s butterfly garden. Leah will help create signs to this effect
    2. Leah noted that there has been a tree down in Lime Kiln Alley for quite some time. She and Andy will look into this

Ongoing Projects:

  • Community Garden Update
    • Leah stated that the shed has been ordered, and the garden has been limed and cover cropped.
  • Oliver Street Maintenance – Group suggests that it would be good if a loop could be maintained

Other Business:

  • Keith suggests that BCEC survey community interest in environmental-related items. Keith said he can put together a list of questions. He would like to include questions about whether the community finds it helpful for the BCEC to have booth space at the fairs. The group can work together to put together a survey with google or survey monkey
  • Group would like to spend meeting time sometime soon to go through materials in Sally’s office. The suggestion is to include this clean-up in a meeting agenda
  • Group would like more information on the two gazebos that are going in around town. Leah and Andy will look into this

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday November 11, 2015 @ 7:30 PM.

 

[obi_monthly_archive]September 2015

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of September 9, 2015

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Joel Dowshen

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

Attendance: Ralph Tolomeo (Chair), Joel Dowshen (Co-Chair), Mike Tunney, Leah Ingalsbe-Ducey.

(Members of the public present): Cathy Elliott-Shaw, Paul Ordog, Ed.D. Chairman of the Florence Township Environmental Commission

Minutes: There was no meeting in August.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • Ralph is updating.
  • Mike Tunney and Mike Lahr appointments have expired. Awaiting re-appointment by Mayor Malone.
  • New Earth Talks
    1. Still awaiting dates for Tours of Burlington County Resource Recovery Complex: Up to 20 people per tour on weekdays only. Ralph checking with Anne Moore.
    2. September 22, 7PM: Earth Talk on the Pinelands (still pending call back confirmation).
    3. November 10, 7PM: Earth Talk by either Cedar Run or Pollination Station. (still pending call back confirmation).
    4. Late winter/early spring talk about Community Garden discussed.
  • No Planning Board report. Asking Katie Nosker to attend next Planning Board meeting in Mike Lahr’s absence.
  • Green Team Report: Cathy noted that they are focusing on the Community Garden and other ongoing activities. No current grant requests. Robbinsville has come to the Green Team for ideas/help setting up their own Team.
  • To date, budget balance is $2234.05. Expected expenditures are $1,500 for Community Garden shed. $200-300 for Community Garden supplies, cover crop, etc. $200 for printing of new Library/Lime Kiln Butterfly Gardens brochure.
  • Cranberry Festival: Ralph is organizing staffing schedule (10-1, 1-4) and people for set-up and break-down. A composter will be raffled off.
  • Fall/Winter BCEC Newsletter: Joel is putting together material, potentially oriented to City gardens.

Ongoing Projects:

  • Community Garden Update: Leah reported that we are waiting for gate and lock. Don Stein will help til. Need a core group of people to organize the Community Garden records, spaces, charges, bylaws/rules, et
  • Lime Kiln Alley: Agreed that the meadow should be cut between now and fall. Ralph will discuss with Mayor Malone. Leah will help oversee Unitarian Church members work plans to keep the Butterfly Garden in good shape.
  • Oliver Street: no discussion.

Other Business:

Paul Ordog, chair of the Florence Township Environmental Commission commented on their efforts to get the Waste Management Tullytown landfill closed, and their ongoing effort to prevent Elcon from potentially polluting the air drifting over to Florence. He wanted to be sure we understand that both Waste Management and Elcon have plans that would directly effect the Bordentown area and advised that meetings are coming up in which we should take interest. Joel had already forwarded some comments received on the BCEC website to Mayor Malone and Ralph. Ralph will talk to Mayor Malone to see if the BCEC can help organize and publicize any public information effort in this area.

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday October 14, 2015 @ 7:30 PM.

[obi_monthly_archive]August 2015

 

[obi_monthly_archive]July 2015

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of July 8, 2015

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Mike Lahr

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

Attendance: Ralph Tolomeo (Chair), Joel Dowshen (Co-Chair), Andy Richardson, Mike Lahr, Mike Tunney, Katie Nosker, Keith Onsdorff.

(Members of the public present): Cathy Elliott-Shaw, Joe Malone (Mayor), Sigmund Targonski, Sally Miller.

Minutes: June minutes were presented and approved.

Communications, Announcements, New Business:

  • Membership list was updated by attending members.
  • New Earth Talks
    1. August 19 and October 21, 2PM: Tours of Burlington County Resource Recovery Complex: Up to 20 people per tour on weekdays only. Ralph to check with Anne Moore.
    2. September 22, 7PM: Earth Talk on the Pinelands.
    3. November 10, 7PM: Earth Talk by either Cedar Run or Pollination Station.
    4. Next meeting consider ramble with Abbott Marshland, bicycle ride up the canal, and/or clean-up events.
  • No July Planning Board Meeting
  • Green Fair: Set up smoother. Location of BCEC table excellent. Tent appreciated by sitting participants. Simultaneous baseball game caused some issues. Bottleneck on closing. Paper shredder during a farmer’s market night?
  • As of July 7, budget was at $2234.05. $488 for doggie bags paid by City out of Clean Communities funding. Some Green Fair bills may yet come.
  • Ralph will write Mayor Malone about tour of Ocean Spray property by BCEC members (and Steering Committee?)

Ongoing Projects:

  • Community Garden Update;
    • July 18 @ 8AM: BCEC, Green Team, and volunteers to install mesh fence. Mike T to bring lumber and nail gun(s).
  • High School Native Plant Garden: no new news
  • Lime Kiln Alley
    • Request for trimming needs signed document (Mayor Malone).
  • Oliver Street: no discussion.

Other Business:

Joel announced that the Native Plant Brochure was redone. Ralph will see to it that 100-150 are printed.

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at about 8:30 pm.

Green Team Meeting: Tuesday July 21 @ 7:00 PM.

Next BCEC Meeting: Wednesday August 12 @ 7:30 PM.

[obi_monthly_archive]June 2015

 

[obi_monthly_archive]May 2015

 

[obi_monthly_archive]April 2015

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)

Minutes of April 8, 2015

Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

Minutes Prepared by Katie Nosker

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

Attendance: Mike Lahr, Mike Tunney, Ralph Tolemeo (Chair), Katie Nosker, Joel Dowshen

(Members of the public Present): Cathy Elliott-Shawn, Bill Wolfe

Minutes: March minutes not available

Communications and Announcements:

  • Community Garden: Mike Tuney says the area will be tilled soon. Cathy Elliott-Shawn explained that the goal is to gether community members to form a committee, which will set the rules and guidelines for the garden. The plan is to have a pilot this planting season.
    1. Green team requests $3,000 in BCEC funds to build a fence around the community garden. Mike Tuney motions to vote, Mike Lahr seconds. BCEC votes unanimously to approve the use of BCEC funds for the community garden fence.
    2. Joel Dowshen says he can send out an email to generate interest and notify the community of this garden. Green team will provide language for the email.
  • BCEC material storage: Ralph Tolemeo spoke with Sally, she suggested using the batting cage area, which can be secured.
  • Doggie Bags: Ralph Tolemeo will check to see if the Clean Communities Grant can be used to pay for these bags. Cathy Elliott-Shawn will talk with the Watershed Ambassador to see if she knows of other funds available.
  • Drug Drop Off: Ralph Tolemeo reported that police departments can qualify to accept drugs. Ralph will contact Bordentown City to see if the Police Department would like to be qualified to accept drugs.
  • 2015 Events: Ralph Tolemeo will obtain city equipment for the Riverkeeper presentation on April 14th. The Shade Tree Commission Tree Planting and the Rain Barrel workshop will both occur on April 18th. The Lime Kiln Butterfly Garden Cleanup will occur on May 3rd in cooperation with the Unitarian Church. The theme for the street fair on May 16th and 17th will be the community garden and reusable bags. Green Fair is scheduled for June 13th – the Green Team will be requesting assistance. Ralph Tolemeo will set up a site visit to the new single stream recycling center on a weekday in the fall. The Cranberry festival is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th.
  • Planning Board Report: Mike Lahr explained that the Old Saint Mary’s Nursery School project passed and that funding is in place for the pants factory rehab.
  • Green Team Report: Cathy Elliott-Shawn reported that the school garden is in need of a school liaison. Members are working on creating qualifications for the sustainable business award.

Other Business:

Bill Wolfe will provide a proposal to create more objective standards around noise, nuisance, and anti-idling concerns.

[obi_monthly_archive]

Bordentown City Environmental Commission (BCEC)
Minutes of March 10, 2014
Carslake Community Center Senior’s Room

minutes prepared by Leah Ducey

Meeting called to order at 7:35 pm

Attendance: (Quorum present) Ralph Tolomeo (Chair)), Michael Tunney, Leah Ducey, Don Stein, Charles Kunkel, Andy Richardson

(Members of the public present): Cindy Gallagher

January minutes approved. No meeting February because of snow.

 Public comment:  none

  Communications and Announcements:

  1. Lime Kiln Park update:  Kiwannis to volunteer on trail maintenance 4/5 from 9-1.
  2. Oliver Street Park update: Mike Tunney and Don Stein will brush hog. We to come up with a plan for spring maintenance.
  3. Greenteam updates: 5th annual Green Fair June 14, won a $2000 grant from Sustainable Jersey to help with Green Fair, need people to help with the following Sustainable Jersey Actions: Companion animal management and Wildlife Interaction plan- please email greenteam if interested. Next meeting is March 15th at 7:00 at Carslake.
  4. Community Garden- on hold until next round of Sustainable Jersey grants.
  5. Brooke McMinn and Father Tucker will not be reappointed to BCEC. Need to replace them.
  6. Held the following Earth Talks and they went well: How to Boil a Frog and Energy Audit Info session.
  7. The BCEC will buy a sandwich board to advertise events in town.
  8. Shade tree planting is 4/5 and volunteers are needed.

 BCEC Events:

  1.  4/26 Rainbarrel Workshop at Carslake
  2. 4/26 Kids Creek Exploration with the Watershed Ambassador.
  3. Street Fair May 17-18th.

 Planning Board:

  1. Senior Center Pants Factory needs to expand basement and city has to make a larger contribution.- BCEC has no concerns.
  2. Lot on Willow will be developed into a duplex house- BCEC has no concerns.

BCEC 2013 Budget:

  1. Paid $70 for May Street fair registration
  2. Paid $350 for ANJEC dues

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 (the next meeting will be April 9th at 7:30pm.)

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