Environmental Commission Minutes

November 14, 2007     

 

Attendance: Kevin Edwards (Chair), Cathy Harvey, Todd Terhune, Phil Notestine Corey Nachshen, Blair Wilson (council liaison). Total = 4 voting members

 

Apologies: Oliver Turner, Murray Robertson, Tom Carr and Khizar Sheikh

 

Guest:  Allison Rankin

 

EC chair:  Welcome, attendance, announcements. No decisions were made as there was not a quorum.

 

Goal Updates

 

1.Well Head Protection


--Denville has an aquifer sensitive area zone (ASAZ) information that enforces land around the zones in which the Mtn. Lakes EC would like to review.

--Mtn. Lakes needs to evaluate groundwater resources (last done 8/1978)

--It would be beneficial for Mtn. Lakes EC to review this report since Denville sued this as a basis for establishing the ASAZ and what to restrict.

Question: does the overlay zone protect our well?

--we need this report to help us with our own wellhead protection ordinance

Question:  who maintains the well at RRCC?

Actions Items:

 

Todd – to schedule walk at Rockaway River Golf course to see well

          --will ask Mark Prusina who maintains well there

         --will take photos of his walk and circulate the photos at next month’s meeting.

      

2. Riparian Buffer

 

Riparian Buffer ordinance will be reviewed by Corey to send comments to EC for response and further comments before 12/12/07 meeting.

 

3. EC Budget(s)

 

Budget, goals, action items for goals:

Kevin reported on the recommended EC budget to council, but cautioned members that EC need s to make sure budge items have necessary support as to the recommendations.
--$320 for additional education opportunities for EC members

-- $3712 for deer infrared study

   *EC or council should talk with Morris County Park Commission regarding coordinating efforts with their study. We should also find out who took Rob Jennings place.

--Goose management: same as last year

--ERI: Kevin got 2 quotes

     *members felt that we need to have a scope of work before getting quotes.

      *we need an updated ERI because it will help Mtn. Lakes/EC make better decisions/recommendations on future environmental issues

     --Mtn. Lakes will be revising its Master Plan and the EC should be in a better position to help shape the plan. Eg. Whether Mtn. Lakes opts in or out of the Highlands Act.

      * will give Mtn. Lakes an idea of where Mtn. Lakes is environmentally

       * It’s been 15 years since last one.

 

Goals for 2008

1. Cathy suggested that the EC include invasives on its list of goals for 2008.

   *Educating the council regarding planting on public land.

Question: Do we need an ordinance banning planning of invasives on public property to use as a tool to make statement?

2. EC should keep abreast of Borough Hall renovations/new building for ensuring green building activities are considered.

 

Nominations for liaison to Lakes Management:  on hold until next meeting

  

Public Comments

 

None

 

The meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting December 12th at 7.30 p.m.