Eec Opms May 15, 2007

EWING TOWNSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION, May 15, 2007 CALL TO ORDER-OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS STATEMENT: A meeting of the Ewing Township Environmental Commission (EEC) was held on the evening of Tuesday, May 15, 2007 in the Ewing Township Municipal Complex. Chairperson Karl Muessig called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. He began by reading the following statement: The notice requirements provided for in the Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied. Notice of this meeting was properly given in the resolution by the Ewing Township Council on January 3, 2007 which was transmitted to the Times of Trenton and The Trentonian, filed with the Clerk of the Township of Ewing and posted in the Ewing Township Municipal Complex, all on January 4, 2007. ROLL CALL:

PRESENT:

Peter Boughton Scott Butterfield Lee Farnham Erin Indelicato Karl Muessig Hal Moeller

EXCUSED: Mike Hiscock Rus Staniec GUESTS:

Howard Greenberg, Ewing Resident Aimee Williams, D&R Greenway Trust ms, John Boyle, Bike Coalition

MINUTES APPROVAL: The minutes of the April 17, 2007 meeting were approved on a motion by Lee, seconded by Erin. The vote was unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT:

None.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS: Planning Board and Site Review: Lee attended the Planning Board Meeting at which Lowes discussed a possible store location on the Navy property. Lee’s summary of the meeting is attached. There will be an information meeting here on the Lowes on June 6, 2007 at 7:00 pm at which we have been asked to

represent environmental concerns. Karl will try to find out who is the NJDEP Case Manager for this site. Erin noted that there were no items of concern to the EEC at the Site Review meetings. Natural Resources Inventory/Conservation Element (NRI/CE): Tree Ordinance: Karl discussed the concept with the Mayor and Attorney Hartsough. They support the concept in general but want to start with an ordinance for trees on public property and new development. So Scott will revise the current version to limit it to public trees and trees on new development. Lee will investigate certification for arborists. Web Site: Karl stated the Mayor wants to redesign the web site. The Mayor suggests we set the standard Grants: Hal said there was no word on the status of the ANJEC grant application for hike and bike pathways in the township. Hal noted that any grant proposal to the Bikes Belong Coalition will require a letter of support from local bike industry. Sustainability: Karl discussed the concept of a Green Ordinance with the Mayor and the mayor was receptive. The Mayor encouraged the EEC to make recommendations for greening the grounds of the municipal building. Jewish Community Center building tour – The tour is scheduled for May 24, 2007 at 4:00 pm. Ted Forst arranged for us to tour the JCC with an eye toward LEED suggestions. John Wright of Spiezel Arch., a green building specialist will be touring with us. Please let Karl know if you plan to attend. Lee confirmed that the tour of Janssen facility is scheduled for June 7, 2007 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The EEC discussed who to invite including representatives from Council, Planning Board and Redevelopment Authority. Lee will develop the list and Karl will issue the invitations. Ewing Bike Trails: Pete said there will be an informal meeting with the owner of the Trolley Trail on May 17, 2007 at 7:00 pm here. Pete has invited members of Council, ETRA, the Recreation Commission and the Historical Preservation Society. Karl said the Mayor is interested in the concept but needs convincing. Mayor’s Monthly Meeting: Karl said the Mayor wants the EEC to lead the June 20th meeting to tell the public what we have accomplished and what we are

working on for the future. Lee will discuss the NRI and CE. Pete will discuss Bike trails, Scott will discuss the Tree Ordinance, etc. Karl noted that he has a meeting scheduled with the Mayor at 10:00 am on June 18, 2007 OLD BUSINESS: Open Space: Not discussed Annual Report:

Not discussed

Arbor Day: The planting on April 28, 2007 at 11:00 AM at Shabakunk Park was a success. The Mayor attended. CORRESPONDENCE: NEW BUSINESS: Maria Benedetti resigned. Karl announced he will be resigning because he will be moving out of the Township this summer. Erin asked if anyone was interested in replacing her on the Planning Board because she cannot make all the meetings. She will stay on the EEC. Hal volunteered to fill Erin's spot on the PB; this will need the Mayor's appointment. Karl will discuss these changes with the Mayor prior to our next meeting. Bike Trails – John Boyle from the Bike Coalition addressed the EEC about the need for the proposed pathway (for pedestrians and bikes) across the Delaware River that may be included with the replacement of the Scudders Falls Bridge. He was seeking our endorsement and asked that we send a letter to the Delaware River Toll Bridge Commission. Pete motioned to provide a letter of support for the pathway and to include our support of appropriate noise reduction measures. Erin seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Boyle will also provide an example letter for distribution to the general public so the public can submit letters of support. Pete noted that Sylvia Street may be extended. Lee was recognized again by the Wachovia Foundation which results in $100 donated by Wachovia Foundation to the EEC. If Lee volunteers for another 30 hours during the year, there will be another $100 and he is about halfway there.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Erin moved to adjourn, seconded by Pete. The EEC adjourned at 9:03 P.M.

____________________________ Karl Muessig, Chairperson These Minutes approved on __________, 2007 PAGES:______ OF ______

________________________ W. Scott Butterfield, Secretary