Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes

BOROUGH OF BERNARDSVILLE

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES

February 9, 2023

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Environmental Commission held in hybrid mode and called to order by Chairperson Johanna Wissinger at 7:03 pm.  Present were Johanna Wissinger, Kathy Redling, Tom Voss, Michelle Conover, Dan Zelinski, Rob Wilson, Greg DeGrandpre, Nick Vaglio, Dan Fresolone, Jeff Hammond, and Jay Ambelang --Council Liaison, Absent: Kristi MacDonald, Graham Macmillan-Planning Board Liaison. Kerry Haselton.  Joseph Cuomo of 220 Post Kundhardt Road, a member of the public was in attendance.

The January meeting minutes were previously circulated.  Greg made a motion to approve, Michelle seconded and the minutes were approved by vote.

The current budget for 2023 is at $628.36 with funds encumbered for a Tree Surround Bench to be placed around the Lou Matlock Elm tree when it is relocated.

Johanna confirmed that all 14 members of the EC, regardless of role were ANJEC members.  She covered the privileges, benefits, and access to speakers for our community.

Jeff Hammond provided an update on the Sustainable Jersey application.  Discussion covered innovation projects, EC Land Use application site visits and procedures, future opportunities and next steps.

Land Use subcommittee updates were shared:

• 55 Claremont Rd (brick house on corner of Mill Street) – Council approved Developer for property in the Downtown Redevelopment Area.
• 10 Chapin Rd, hearing at Board of Adjustment for detached structure addition/excess Impervious Coverage (existing Major SW facility), proposed transplanting of trees brings up questions on tree conditions and survival rates
• Upton Pine subdivision to 7 lots with Planning Board (not yet deemed complete)
• 51 & 53 Bernards Avenue reallocation to 3 lots with Planning Board, 2/23 hearing.  Michelle will attend in Johanna’s absence
• 601 Mine Brook Rd, addition of detached structures (Board of Adjustment, not yet deemed complete)

EV Subcommittee Report:

• Chargers proposed for Library parking lot and Train Station no longer have traction and support.  Funding available through grants is limited, and Borough will not have a Fleet vehicle at the library till 2024.
• Borough EV is due to arrive end of February
• A review of our Ordinances would be helpful, and ANJEC sample Ordinances will be used as guidelines

Upcoming Events/Proposed Events:

• Great Swamp Pollinator Plant Sale, 5/6 at Ross Farm for pickup.  Johanna to coordinate with Bernards Township EC for joint site, Rob W. to handle publicity, Michelle and Kathy to coordinate efforts on 5/6 for Plant pickup
• Deer Management and Hunt for 2023, Starts in September.  Need report, along with regulations review.
• River Friendly Neighbor program, including behavior education to include Salt as #1 pollutant.  Joe noted options for Permeable Concrete and Porous Asphalt as good alternatives to standard pavement.
• Saturday 4/29 Electronics Recycling and Styrofoam Collection/Recycling at Bernards High School part of Green Team day.  Will also include Raritan Headwaters Well Water Test Kit booth and Shade Tree Commission’s tree giveaway.
• 4/1 Recreation Commission and Downtown Bernardsville Eggstravaganza is an opportunity for  educational booth
• 4/15 Raritan Headwaters Stream Cleanup at 4 sites – Polo Grounds, Claremont Field, Nervine Pond, Old Army Trail/Audubon.  9am – 12pm with financial support from the Borough in thanks from our Clean Communities Grant funding.
• 4/22 Earth Day, discussion of Community wide Litter Clean up effort.  Subcommittee of Michelle, Greg, Dan F. and Kathy to set up time, goals, base (probably Kiwanis Field) and publicity.

New Business:

Rob noted that the Coyote population in NJ is on the rise.

Johanna spoke of the Tree Canopy Study component of the Sustainable Jersey application, discussion was held, and it was agreed it was not needed now.

Members noted that with the warming weather, the need for Spotted Lantern Fly Egg Mass destruction would soon be upon us.

The next scheduled EC meeting is on March 8, 2023 at 7:00pm.

Johanna made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded Greg and it was unanimously adjourned at 8:44 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Kathy Redling, Secretary

BOROUGH OF BERNARDSVILLE

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES

January 11, 2023

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Environmental Commission held in hybrid mode was called to order by Chairperson Johanna Wissinger at 7:00 pm.  Present were Johanna Wissinger, Kathy Redling, Rob Wilson, Greg DeGrandpre, Kerry Haselton, Dan Fresolone, Jeff Hammond, and Jay Ambelang --Council Liaison.  Absent: Kristi MacDonald, Dan Zelinski, Graham Macmillan-Planning Board Liaison, Tom Voss, Michelle Conover, Nick Vaglio

Johanna began the meeting by noting that 2023 meeting notices were published in the 3 NJ newspapers, and would be listed on the Borough website.  She noted that we voted to have no meeting in August 2023, and meetings will remain Hybrid for the foreseeable future.

Kathy shared the current budget levels: $788 was provided in the preliminary 2023 budget, along with 2022 rolled over funds of $415.36 and the ANJEC membership for 14 individuals was to be paid at $575.00.  Remaining funds are $628.36.

Johanna shared recent communications from RHA, ANJEC and Great Swamp.  Stormwater ordinances and training were discussed.  The Mandatory SW training for “decision makers” was discussed and it was agreed to have the Borough Administrator becoming involved. Discussion around the Great Swamp Plant Sale, beginning of May was discussed, and Johanna would reach out to Bernards Twp. EC to coordinate joint pickup site at Ross Farm in working towards Native Plant Corridor.  Jay agreed to provide communication. 

Council Liaison report from prior meeting.  Changes in the Borough’s volunteer committees would not affect the Environmental Commission, but changes around the Open Space Committee ad Shade Tree Committee were discussed.  Jay was to bring the EC comments, concerns back to Council.

Public Session – No public or visitors

It was noted that Saturday 4/15/2023 was the RHA Stream cleanup.  Bernardsville will again have 2 official RHA sites (Borough Hall and Audubon), along with 2 municipal sites (Claremont Field and the Polo Grounds). Donation for 2 sites from Clean Communities Grant will be made to RHA.  

RHA well testing discussed, and suggested to have booth at Farmer’s Market in June or September with drop off at Boro Hall.  Educational efforts on well testing benefits, costs at Mayors wellness type events.

River Friendly survey and lawn sign project discussed, resurrect for Sustainable Jersey points, awareness.  River Friendly assembly at Middle School suggested, and reconnect with 8th grade Science teacher Mr. King regarding water testing in town.  Creating a Map of River Friendly properties was suggested, and Kathy agreed to do as a PDF from the Boro zoning map.  Coordination with RHA will be needed.

Jeff discussed the Green team’s progress, new members and work on recertification as a Sustainable Jersey town with the 2/15/2023 deadline firm.

Kerry discussed her new position as a Member of the Recreation Committee, and head of the Trails subcommittee.  She shared that the borough and surrounding area Trails were now up on the Borough Website/Recreation page, though a bit difficult to find, particularly on utilizing a phone.  Leah H. was going to send out information on various social media platforms.  Rob suggested that the information also be provided in Spanish, as well as other flyers on the Boro website.

The Sensory Garden in Watchung Reservation was discussed, and viewed online.  It is part of the Union County park facility.  It was agreed to learn more about it and research possibilities.

The joint Mendham Borough/Township EC and DPW Styrofoam collection took place on Saturday 1/7, and Michelle attended and shared her observations, lessons learned.  The event is biannual (January & June), has been running for about 3 years.  Wrapping the Styrofoam to be recycled in Clear Plastic bags eliminated worries about breaking off and fly away during transportation.  Five (5) dumpsters were on site, and at least 3 were filled.  Holding an event jointly with either Bernards Township or Bedminster was suggested.  Earth Day was suggested as a great time frame, to do Styrofoam collection vs. Electronic recycling collection (past effort of Green Team).

Status of Bernardsville’s membership in Highlands Coalition, Commission was discussed, and clarification was needed.

Deer Management through the hiring of a private hunting club for several large Open Spaces has been managed by Mike Gunderson.  As he is moving out of town, Johanna requested assistance in securing a new volunteer coordinator.  She was going to reach out to Tom C., Borough Administrator.

Land Use subcommittee updates were shared:

•        106 Mine Brook Rd project (approved by Planning Board)
• Essex Building project (approved by Planning Board)
• 25 Claremont Rd (old 56 Degree bldg) project (approved as Area in Need of Development by Council)
• 55 Claremont Rd (brick house on corner project (would be heard by Planning Board after Council approves Developer for property)

• 10 Chapin Rd, 1/17 hearing (delayed) at Board of Adjustment for detached structure addition/excess Impervious Coverage (existing Major SW facility)
• Upton Pine subdivision to 7 lots with Planning Board (not yet deemed complete)
• 51 & 53 Bernards Avenue reallocation to 3 lots with Planning Board (not yet deemed complete)
• 601 Mine Brook Rd, addition of detached structures (Board of Adjustment, not yet deemed complete)

Johanna suggested more members get involved in Land Use applications, and Kerry agreed.  The Upton Pine subdivision was a good opportunity for a site visit, as 14 wells would likely be constructed on the 7 proposed lots.

The 2020 garden improvements, watering and maintenance was discussed.  Possible opportunity for BHS Green team members to be involved, use of a Bench/Water Tank and a drip irrigation system were discussed.

Recognition of Pollinator Gardens was discussed.  Plans for a map of Pollinator Gardens (Waystations) was discussed as well as a possible Assembly at Bedwell School. 

The December meeting minutes were reviewed, and Greg made a motion to accept them as circulated.  Dan seconded and they were approved.

The next scheduled EC meeting is on February 8, 2023 at 7:00pm.

Rob made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded Johanna and it was unanimously adjourned at 8:57 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Kathy Redling, Secretary