Environmental Commission Minutes

May 2, 2007     

7:30pm

 

 

Attendance: Jeana Macleod, Todd Terhune, Oliver Turner, Tom Carr, Kevin Edwards and Phil Notestine (Woodlands Liason).

 

Guest: Brian Marshall (EC Alumnus) - guest

 

Total = 7,

 

Absent:  Steve Butera, Chris Stitt, Cathy Harvey, Blair Wilson (Borough Council Liason), Armen Melikian, Murray Robertson

 

Meeting called to order:  8:20 PM (late start)

No approval of April EC minutes as they were not sent out

 

I. Goal Updates

 

1. Drinking water and water use (Tom)

 

Still awaiting the list from Joan Best of individual water usage, to help with formulation of the letter to Mountain Lakes residents outlining current issues

 

Murray’s draft letter on home water use will be further considered and then Tom will send it out.

 

Tom – will send draft to Gary Webb, who will send them out to the public.

 

2. Riparian Buffer (Jeana)

 

Discussed draft ordinance of a Riparian Buffer Ordinance:

 

Jeana – Is this too restrictive? We need further comments. Let’s educate the public to

 their responsibilities as home owners living on / near the water.

Kevin – Move G to A in section 4. Fines and violations? Shall the EC recommend these?

What are they? Kevin will speak with Blair. Section 7 B – what is the nature of the ‘official?’

Oliver -How does the ordinance work on private property? What are the implications?

 Do we really want a riparian buffer ordinance?

Todd – Trim it down to a realistic and accurate document.

Phil –   Jeana should present the same document that was made a few years ago.

 

Conclusion: Kevin will consult with Blair Wilson of the council to help further clarify expectations

 

3. Invasive Plants (Cathy)

No Report

             

4. Tree Cutting Ordinance (Armen)

No Report

 

5. Well Head Protection (Steve)

No Report

 

Special Report: Storm water management: Brian Marshall - “Troy Brook Regional Stormwater Management Plan”

 

Further update:

 

General points of consideration:

Regional stormwater management is a good idea and the plan has a number of good ideas. We can possibly get funds to support specific town projects.

 

Catch Basins and development definitions.

Phosphorus free fertilizer (banned in Mountain Lakes for 15 years)

 

 

Mountain Lakes, Parsippany and Hanover are the three ‘key players’. If Mountain Lakes does not indorse this, it will slow the process.

 

Specific cost to Mountain Lakes is not clear.

 

The Mountain Lakes Borough Council is at a point where it needs to agree to implement it or not.

 

Council wants a statement from EC as to whether Mountain Lakes should agree to implement it. May 14 is the next council meeting.

 

Vote: Does the EC endorse the implementation of the plan?

          Kevin, Jeana, Tom, Todd and Oliver – YES

          Apposed – None

          Abstain - None  

 

Kevin will send a document to council outlining the EC’s position

 

6. Geese (Oliver)

 

Oliver will send the ‘Goose Poop proposal’ to Jeana who will send it on to Lakes commission.

 

7. Update from Lakes Commission (Jeana)

 

8. Highlands commission (Kevin) 

 

Still being discussed

 

IV. Any Other Business

 

Student liaison – Emily Korman – We will invite her to the June meeting.

 

Local bikeways – not applicable to Mountain Lakes

 

Village Market

No Report

 

Whippany River Watershed

No Report

.

V. Public Comments

None

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9.35pm

Next meeting June 6th at 7.30pm