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ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
AUGUST 28, 2013
The meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Richard Wolf, Chairman. The Opening Statement was made. Roll call was taken.
Present: Jonathan Marcus Mayor Laforet
Carol Phiefer
Richard Seibert
Richard Wolf
Jane DeWan (secretary)
Absent: Chris Kiene
Gregg Sgambati
Daniel Weixeldorfer
MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on August 14, 2013 were approved as submitted following a motion by Dick Seibert; seconded by Carol Phiefer. All were in favor.
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
Stuart Roberts, 5 Aronow Place, Block 126, Lot 126.02
E-BD-216-2627, dated 8/7/13
After review, a letter was written to Administrative Officer:
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the soil movement permit application to construct a new home and swimming pool at 5 Aronow Place.
The proposed soil volume to be moved, 2685 cu. yds., is approved.
The tree preservation application states that sixteen trees will be removed. Four replacement trees are required which are native deciduous trees, such as oak, maple or other hardwoods. Decorative and screening plantings may be selected by the homeowner. With that information noted by the homeowner, the tree preservation application is approved.
We question the slopes and soil erosion plan and we ask the Township Engineer to send us a copy of his report on those items.”
cc: M. Kelly, Township Engineer
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
Brian & Alison Auerback, 27 Crocker Mansion Drive
Bl. 21.02, Lot 6, E-BD-216-304-592, dated 8/23/13
After review, a letter was written to Administrative Officer:
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the soil movement permit application for Auerback citied above for construction of an in ground pool and patio.
We note that one tree will be removed and there will be no replacement trees.
This application is approved.”
cc: M. Kelly, Township Engineer
SOIL MOVEMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
William Almonte, 9 Aspen Court, Bl. 123, Lot 6.04
E-BD-216-2632, dated 8/22/13
After review, a letter was written to Administrative Officer:
“The Environmental Commission reviewed the soil movement permit application for Almonte cited above for replacing a swimming pool, building a new patio.
We note that no trees will be removed.
This application is approved.”
cc: M. Kelly, Township Engineer
TENANT APPLICATION
The following application was approved , change of ownership only:
Mahwah Unixey Hair Salon at 15 Miller Road.
MAHWAH PARKS DAY
Rich Wolf reported:
· Hasn’t heard back from senior center about idea of senior art show
· He will follow up with Pete W. about interview on municipal community news channel
· Not sure about progress with maps
OLD BUSINESS
Mahwah Day - Participant meeting will be held Sept. 9, 7 pm at Library.
MEVO and Beautification Committee will combine in our tent, as well as NJ Clean Energy with the light bulb package.
Jane got purchase order and picked up a pop up tent. It is in the Environmental office.
Carol asked if we needed shrubs to dress up the tents. Rich said no, there may not be room.
PR to do at Mahwah Day: Mahwah Parks Day, water conservation/awareness
Two more meetings before Mahwah Day.
Ordinances - Mayor Laforet spoke about a future Shade Tree Commission. He stressed the need for backing by the Council. Council needs to be interested in the idea in order to move forward with an Ordinance to create a STC which would enable the Mayor to request a budget for a Shade Tree Commission. He suggested a written proposal and an address to Council during the public session of a Council meeting, to let them know goals and intentions.
George Esty still may be interested in participating in a Shade Tree Commission according to the Mayor. Budget process for 2014 starts in November. Tree work already done by DPW is already included in the DPW budget.
Water Environmental Commission is still interested in submitting a water ordinance, following Sustainable Jersey guidelines, to the Council ordinance committee. Getting the public more involved and aware of water conversation would be a main goal. Also use of rain sensors in irrigation systems should be required and we should enforce use.
The Mayor suggested drafting a letter to businesses or homeowners telling them that their sprinklers are watering the road or watering during rain and that sensors are needed. After a reminder, people might install sensors voluntarily. Mayor Laforet said there will be approximately 1,000 people at Mahwah Day, show them what a rain sensor is, talk to them about it, cost and its benefits and many might come on board.
Sustainable Jersey – no report.
CORRESPONDENCE
Various agenda and minutes. Copies of several permit applications to the State.
Invitation to Mahwah Historic Farmfest on September 29 at Sun Valley Farm, a fundraising effort for NY NJ Trail Conference.
NEW BUSINESS - none
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next meeting of the Environmental Commission will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, N.J.
J. DeWan
Secretary