5
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
OCTOBER 22, 2014
The meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Richard Wolf, Chairman. The Opening Statement was made. Roll call was taken.
Present: Jonathan Marcus Also present: Karin LaGreca, Sustainable
Carol Phiefer Jersey Consultant
Richard Reilly Peggy Bost, resident
Richard Seibert
Richard Wolf
Jane DeWan (secretary)
Absent: Linda Meisel
Daniel Weixeldorfer
MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on October 8, 2014 were approved as submitted following a motion made by Richard Reilly; seconded Richard Seibert.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion – Pilgrim Pipeline
Jonathan Marcus introduced Peggy Bost, a Deerhaven resident, who attended a recent Township Council meeting to alert the Council about concerns about an oil pipeline proposed by Pilgrim Pipeline which could pass through Mahwah. She explained risks associated with the pipeline project such as potential for an oil leak into the local watershed, intrusion of construction vehicles and damage to landscape and disruption of wildlife habitats. The land is in the Highlands Preservation zone.
Commission members decided to write a letter to Township Council urging them to join other neighboring towns by passing a Resolution opposing the pipeline project. Of particular concern is Pilgrim’s effort to be recognized as a public utility which might enable it to take land through eminent domain.
A motion was made by Jonathan Marcus that Rich Wolf will write a draft of a letter to be sent to Township Council from Environmental Commission urging Council to act not to oppose the Pilgrim pipeline. The motion was seconded by Carol Phiefer. All were in favor. Rich will send all members a copy of the letter over the weekend. It will be delivered to the Township Clerk’s office Tuesday (10/28) to be distributed to Township Council.
Discussion – tree cutting 125 Deerhaven Road
Peggy Bost, 121 Deerhaven Road, stated that excessive tree removal occurred at 125 Deerhaven Road. The neighbor, a new homeowner, is having a new septic field installed. According to Mrs. Bost, twenty trees were permitted to be removed. At least thirty-four trees will be removed. She feels more will be taken down.
Commission members discussed the procedure for the septic work and approval for tree removal without a tree preservation application form, or soil movement application, coming before the Environmental Commission. Rich Wolf and others feel it is necessary to sit down with new Construction Code Official, Township Engineer, Property Maintenance Inspector and Board of Health to avoid a similar situation in the future. The Commission is very concerned about excessive tree removal and how tree removal is handled during review of septic systems.
OLD BUSINESS
Nicholas Cyprus, 16 Elizabeth Lane
Continued review and discussion of landscaping plans
The following memo was written to Administrative Officer:
“Re: Nicholas Cyprus, 16 Elizabeth Lane
Block 144, Lot 2, E-BD-216-2695
Landscaping Plans dated 9/15/14
The Environmental Commission reviewed the above cited landscape plans at our meeting of October 8, 2014. Additional trees (nine Norway spruce) were added to the landscape design, but were designated future plantings. We wanted to know more specifically when these additional trees would be planted.
We contacted the landscaper designer, Kim Beltramini of Rainbow Landscaping, about the timeframe of the future planting. He stated that all the trees are scheduled to be planted in the spring of 2015.
We discussed this information at our meeting October 22. Based on the information from the landscape designer, we approved the landscape plan as outlined below.
The total number of trees to be planted at 16 Elizabeth Lane is now forty-two trees. Breakdown below:
Number of replacement trees
33 trees approved species: native deciduous trees
+ 9 additional trees Norway spruce
42
There is a cash bond being held for tree replacement on this lot in the amount of $9,000.00. We ask that the bond be held for one year after the forty-two trees are planted to ensure the trees survive the first year.”
cc: Township Engineer
Kim Beltramini, Rainbow Landscaping
Nicholas Cyprus
T. Mulvey, Property Maintenance Inspector
SUSTAINABLE JERSEY
Presentation by consultant Karin LaGreca
Karin attended tonight’s meeting to explain Sustainable Jersey Certification process and go over actions which Mahwah may decide to complete and submit in the certification points.
She explained a list of actions which she believes are already in place or can be easily accomplished. Members selected an action to work on by the next meeting. Karin told about the dropbox.com file. She is available by telephone or email to work with individuals, answer questions
Progress will be reported at the next meeting, November 12.
2015 BUDGET
Rich Wolf discussed 2014 budget and proposed 2015 budget. He determined we should request:
Materials & Supplies: $750.00 $500. Sustainable Jersey/4 meetings
$250. Mahwah Day
Professional Fees: $10,750.00 $3,000. feasibility study on bike/walk path
$7,000. Sustainable Jersey Consultant
$750. legal fees
Training/Seminars: $0.00 Seminars will be funded by grants only.
Dues $500.00 ANJEC and NJ Shade Tree Federation
Total Proposed Budget: $12,000.00
A motion was made by Jonathan Marcus; seconded by Dick Reilly to approve the proposed budget for 2015. All were in favor.
SITE PLAN REVIEW
Sitex Group LLC, Docket 558
Minor subdivision of the property at 10 Sharp Plaza, Block 26, Lot 1 into two lots. No site improvements are proposed with this application. Proposed Lot 1.l01 will be approximately 13.9 acres and proposed Lot 1.02 will be approximately 42.9 acres.
After review and discussion, the site plan application was approved.
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Kim & Craig Barattin, 39 Franklin Street
Block 173, Lot 33, E-BD-216-304-600, dated 10/1/14
Memo to Administrative Officer:
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the soil movement permit application for an in ground swimming pool at 39 Franklin Street. The soil movement permit is approved.
We note that one tree will be removed and the resident plans on replacing one spruce tree. We recommend a deciduous tree, rather than spruce.”
cc: Township Engineer
Henry Cortes, 87 Skytop Drive
Block 154, Lot 33, E-BD-216-2741, dated 10/16/14
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the soil movement permit application for an addition to an existing home at 87 Skytop Drive. The soil movement permit is approved.
The Tree Preservation application is not approved. Several times it is noted on the application form that no trees will be removed. However, the plot plan shows that “three trees are proposed for removal with two replacement trees”.
Please have the property owner amend the tree preservation application correctly.
We need:
· Number of trees on the property
· Number of trees to be removed
· Number of trees to be replaced
· Description of replacement trees – native deciduous trees “
cc: Township Engineer
TENANT APPLICATION
The Environmental Commission reviewed the application of Mawax Co., Inc. at 25 Whitney Road, 2nd floor. The application was denied. The Commission would like to know what type of business this is. The application stated “office”.
SITE PLAN REVIEW AND
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
ANTHONY FASCIANO, ETAL. – DOCKET 544 PM-SD and (S)
Memo to Administrative Officer:
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the Site Plan for the preliminary and major subdivision on Deerfield Terrace, Block 149, Lot 20, Docket 544. The subdivision is approved, subject to compliance with wetlands protection.
The Environmental Commission also reviewed the Soil Movement Permit Application for Docket 544PM-SD(S). The soil application is not approved. We need a completed Tree Preservation Application for the two lots.”
cc: Township Engineer
CORRESPONDENCE
ANJC publication – Resource paper on: Open Space Is a Good Investment. The Financial Argument for Open Space Preservation.
Planning Board agendas and minutes.
Letter from Boswell Engineering to Township Clerk concerning wetlands permit at West Crescent Avenue bridge over Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.
DEP letter Hindu Samaj about remedial action/contaminated site of 247 West Ramapo Ave.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Rich Wolf thanked everyone present for participating in a long meeting tonight. The next meeting of the Environmental Commission will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, N.J.
J. DeWan
Secretary