married. daughter. >> I'm going Awesome. So, how's your house coming next door? toilets coming. Jeffrey isn't okay enough. Yes.
It's all It's all How you doing? >> Good to be seen. >> I hear you. >> How are you? official letters if they jump in next to you.
>> No, that'll be fine. So, am I correct? Is Justine in Maine? >> Yeah, she's up in Maine. Uh, our family, extended family, has a had a cabin up there for the last 50 years.
It's uh they're her grandmother had it. They're too old to go up there. So, we go up, >> you know, they've said to you, "Should we sell it?" They said, "No, don't sell it. So >> Laurel and I are going up there in a couple weeks and we'll we'll stay a week
up there. There's a canoe and a rowboat and you know, you go out and fish, you know, throw a bobber off the off the pier, you catch bass. >> It sounds like uh sounds idyllic.
>> It really does. You know, just >> you could swim in the lake, too. It's It's chilly, >> but I I bring my snorkeling gear. >> Really? >> And visibility is around 20 feet and it's just going to just snoop around the cove, you know, see what's under there.
That's fun. >> Yeah, sounds like a great time. >> Hi, Dave. Okay. I'm going to be away on Thursday and actually friends. >> So, what time is your meeting?
There he is. >> Okay. >> We need to >> or you can just >> Oh, okay. That's So, here's the thing. Um, they're not ready. They're not ready for yet. >> So, I don't know. I don't even know who is going to get
>> I think it's going to be you in the past on some maybe some >> okay so yeah so it sounds like car needs to figure out their piece of exactly who the contact is so we can talk I don't know if I really have information right
now >> yeah so I know yesterday we were talking about any time frame to try to get things done by the end of the week Um, I saw some of this for the the people last night, but there really wasn't conversation about about that. So, let
me touch let me just touch base with um on that and then I'll let you know when we can figure out a time frame because I what I did when I communicated with them, they communicate back with me.
They said that they needed to do what we didn't talk was communicate to me when they would be able to. >> Okay. All right. Sounds good. >> I got you. No, I trust me. I understand. >> So, how long are they up in Maine? Are
they up in It's usually a week. >> Okay. >> Eight days. >> You know, it's a it's a hike getting up there. >> About an eight hour trip. >> That's a challenge to me for grown-ups to do, much less when you're taking a
couple Yeah. When you have your kids, >> hopefully they just sleep in the back seat. Once they get up there, they have a ball. >> Yeah. I'll just wheel in. >> Yeah, >> we'll scoot over here. Yeah, we can make plenty of room.
>> There you go. Plenty of room. That's good. If that doesn't pop up, this one does. >> Change it. >> Okay. >> Full house. >> Truly a full house.
So Steve, how adorable was that yesterday? >> Terrific. Yeah, >> pretty amazing. >> Kids were great. >> Yeah, it was really good. >> Kate Cares had their theater last night. >> So the the children's theater and they were fantastic.
>> It was a lot of fun. >> An original short play written, produced and directed by Kate. >> Yeah. >> Was wonderful. for like eight kids. It was great. >> So, I got to tell you, I was talking with Lisa yesterday afternoon and it's
like the fact that you know they do the rehearsal over at the um >> you know. Yeah. And and then like that they really only have I think like one other I guess read through at Kate Stage before they do this and
>> that was yesterday. Like that's yeah that is huge to go from you know a flat floor no audience to an elevated stage because if you I'm sure you've all been on like elevated stage you give us a talk to people and it's just it takes a
moment to get your >> what age are we talking for the actors >> yeah how old were those >> they ranged from I think seven was the youngest and the oldest one was probably Okay.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Some I'm terrible with judging children's ages, but a a couple of the the little guys were Yeah. I was like, "Okay, I was just amazed that they were doing what they were doing." >> I would judge him at maybe probably
seven. He looked about the same age as my younger grandson. >> Okay. And you know, >> just the effort that it took to do that, the kids commitment to coming and and rehearsing. >> Kate put a huge amount of work. So did
Ammani who is the intern at KB stage. >> She's wonderful. >> Great. >> Student at Tempest was here as an intern. >> Okay. >> It was very well done. Kids were Kids
were great. >> Packed house. Standing room only. >> It really Yeah. I'm glad we hadn't been five minutes later because >> I don't know if there's room for everybody. >> That's right. >> Stand in your room only. >> And uh Shelley Richards made cupcakes
and cookies and I guess uh Kathy Bazar made cookies too. Wonderful. >> Same event. >> Great. >> Beautiful little community event. Y >> whenever you're good. >> Okay.
>> It's just something. >> In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. If any member has reason to believe that this meeting is being held in violation of this act, they should so state at this time. Seeing none, pledge of allegiance,
please. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation and justice for all. Dave, roll call, please. >> Yep.
Got Michael >> here. >> Steve >> here. >> Gretchen >> here. >> Kim >> here. >> Randall >> here. >> Barbara >> here. >> Sarah.
>> Jennifer >> here. >> Rose >> here. >> John >> here. >> Justine. Charlotte >> here. and myself. >> Okay. Uh we have minutes of June 23rd,
2026. Is there a motion to approve? >> I'll make a motion. >> We need a second. >> Second. >> All All in favor? I >> Excuse me, Michael. Yes. >> I'm listed as being absent that day, but I was here. >> Able corrective.
>> I think you just came late. >> Thank you. >> You missed the roll call. >> That could be. That could be. All right. Old business. Uh, planning board report. Uh, I wasn't here last month. So, the planning board meetings are the same
night as this, but they had a threeminut meeting. So, there was no other business at that planning board. Uh, there we have a meeting tonight. Steve, city council. >> A couple of updates. Um so at our recent
meeting the city manager gave a an update regarding uh water usage over the 4th of July weekend. Um as you recall u it was really really hot um on the 4th and the 4th was al also a a not just a
holiday but it was a weekend and it's also we're celebrating a whole lot of anniversaries in um in in town. So it's been a big year in Cape May. Um and it was a big holiday in Kate May. So, you know, with that backdrop, um the water
usage for uh for the city um set a new record. Um 2.9 million gallons of uh of water flow, which was 200,000 gallons more than uh the previous highest
recorded uh amount of water flow. Um so in his report he said that the water system had been was pretty severely taxed. Um of course the city did uh and did get through uh get through the event okay and the weekend okay. Um I know the
um the water department was working working really hard to make sure that we're staying up on that. Um, in part they the city did step up efforts for enforcement to try to cut down on water usage throughout the city including reaching out to some of the
the commercial establishments asking them for instance to uh you know cut down on um irrigation. um as well as for for the restaurants asking them to just serve water on demand as opposed to just
uh get you know serving water as a as a routine practice. So um you know the city did get get uh through the weekend as I said but it was a it really did tax the system pretty heavily.
Um the other matter that was recently brought before city council is we we got an update uh from Vince Orlando regarding the Lafayette Street Park project. So Vince Orlando is an engineer. He's working on the design
phase of the project. Um and phase three is about to begin. Um that phase consists of the active recreation portion of the park. Uh the active recreation there'll be some hard courts
placed in there. uh the design as uh as presented and it just still being finalized as far as the actual final design, but um what it shows is three hardcourt areas showing uh one area being a tennis court, one area being a
basketball court and one area being pickle ball courts. Um so the active recreation is one component of the uh this phase. Another aspect of this phase is um hard space parking. So this this
phase will include 40 uh permanent parking spots um located within the park. Um and a third component is the entry to the park itself. Um the entry
to the park is proposed to be um a green space, a memorial garden. So, uh, I think that that's an opportunity for the environmental commission to weigh in as far as plant species, as far as what would be appropriate to be placed in
there. No decisions have been made at this point in time. So, um, but I think that the city manager is aware that the environmental commission would want to weigh in on um on the plannings that would be taking place, particularly in the memorial garden. Um, and that's
going to be right at the entry of the of the park. So, um, going hand inand with this, there will be a pavilion area that's going to be designed, um, as well as permanent bathroom facilities will also be located, um, in the park. So,
that's all part of this particular uh, phase of of the project. So, just a couple other items I just want to mention about about that uh project that came out in the engineers update and further comments were that although at
this time it will be adding 40 parking spots um once the police station is completed which is and I'll get into this uh police station should be completed around the time that this phase of the project would be completed.
the uh city in does intend to go back to uh the DP to propose additional parking uh spots located at Lafayette Street Park. So that's been and I mean all cards on the table that's been contemplated all along. It's just
something that needs to be done in in phases. I think there's an expectation that will happen, but just because of the way these projects work and the rules that work with it, um that additional parking can't be addressed until the parking uh until the police
station is completed. So, um there it's it is the plan to have more than 40 spots um in the park when um when the park is is completed. Um there was an additional discussion about lighting at
the at the park. I thought this was pretty pretty neat. Um the the tennis court, the basketball courts, uh the pickle ball courts, they'll be they'll be lit up. There's an opportunity for people to to use these recreational facilities in the evening.
But uh in other communities, they've actually used timers for uh for the >> the active facility. um uh usage. So in other words, say I want to go and play pickle ball at night or play basketball at night. Um as a participant, I go on
turn on the timer and it goes on for a 30 minute period of time. So the lights may be dark, so it's not wasting electricity. Uh it keeps the skies darker when I'm utilizing it. It'll I can turn the lights on and essentially it'll be on a timer and it will turn off
um at a a certain period of time. In addition, they're not going to be on all night long as well. So, there will be guidelines set as far as and um council will set a time frame as far as when active recreation can take place at the park. So, we'll certain that area would
go dark at at some point anyway. People can't go there beyond a certain time. Just turn the lights on, you know, and and utilize that and and play at a certain time. But, um there's that's part of uh you know, being discussed as far as placing the lights. um lights on
uh on timers as far as for uh for the active recreation area. Um as far as the time frame for uh for this phase uh hopefully within August there will be an
um a resolution to go before city council u to move forward with the project. Um and at that point then there would be an an application for uh for open space. Um the application to to open space that's would be for a uh
county open space funding. Uh the city has done really well with county open space funding. Um we're in in some ways we're kind of like the darling of the county. Uh the county provides the funding. They want to see projects that look nice and they want to see projects that get completed. and we have pro
we're doing projects with county funding that really look great that contribute to the community and they're showing that we're actually using using the funding. So I think there's a lot of optimism that we'll be able to get the funding. Um as far as a timeline if we're able to make an application in
August to get the funding. um then we would be on target to be able to go out to bid by the end of the year on this phase with construction to be done in early spring. >> So that's my update.
>> May I ask a question, Steve? >> At the end of um our meeting last time, you talked about a planning board meeting >> and the outcome. I wondered about that in terms of So, I think Charlotte, I believe you're
making reference to that proposed development um over on the the east end of town. >> Um so, the the planning board passed the resolution that essentially confirmed the the decision that had been made at
that at that prior meeting and there hasn't been there's no nothing subsequent since then. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Can I make some comments based um just so that maybe you bring this back to city council. Um couple observations. You talked about the water
usage >> after we had that deluge rain recently >> where it rained so so hard for a long period. The next and it was still very wet in the morning. I went out for a walk and people are watering their
lawns. Um, yeah, they're set, but they're, you know, for people that have these elaborate irrigation systems, they should have rain sensors that can bypass. Um, so that's just something I don't
know how you enforce that, but it may be an education um, campaign that we can do as a commission that we have to get that out there. I believe in Charlotte, you can correct me if I'm wrong, there are regulations as far as when you can water
um east and west of Madison Avenue. I just don't think people know it and they're not doing it and I don't believe it's being enforced. Um, another observation about the park. Again, I went out for a morning walk and I live
up Lafayette Street. went to the park. Actually, don't know if it was in the morning. I think it was it was early evening, like before dinner time. And I'm I go out on the nature trail and there's three motorized bikes that went
whipping by me, a scooter, bike, regular bikes, like five five bikes. The time that I did one loop around, there were five bikes. And I know that it's posted, but the font is like this big. You can't really read it.
And it was young people that didn't even stop to look at the signs, but there are bikes going out there. And um so maybe just proper signage. Um, and the other thing is I know that like where they did the botchi courts and the dog park,
which that project got finished maybe last fall. I don't really remember. It's getting really weedy. And I know public works has a lot to do, but maybe as we invest in all these parks, as well as Harborview Park, which they just
completed, weeds are popping up. And I know you have a small team of public works employees that take care of the parks. Maybe it's time the city invest in expanding the the workforce to take
care of all these beautiful places because it's going to get out of hand. Gretchen, may I just piggyback on what you're saying because over the years we have proposed and maybe council could
think about this, Steve. Our proposal in the past has been to have um students from the county college become um
people who would code enforcement for us and have the information before they go out to know about environmental code enforcement. and then have some kind and I don't even
know about a program like this. I'm just offering it as something out of the past. Um >> so um I would say first off appreciate all those comments. I know I spoke with Paul yesterday about attending the
meeting. He had a conflict so he is unable to attend today's meeting. I do know that he listens to the meeting. Um, but I'm I will also take all of this feedback to Paul and and sp speak with the city manager about about each of
those those issues. Um, to address the the last item that you mentioned, Charlotte, there has been some discussion about that in the past and a similar type of proposals. Um, my understanding is that the concerns have
been as far as placing placing students in a in an enforcement capacity that it's it's it's twofold. One is there's an insurance issue as far as with uh for
the the city um regarding those folks, but there's also there's also a a a training issue and a concern a general overall concern because it would place them in a confrontational situation with folks. um anytime you're in an
enforcement situation and having a conversation with with people, police officers, our code enforcement officials, um while many people engage in a in a a civil a civil conversation,
it doesn't always go that way. So there it's been expressed that that is a particular concern of placing untrained um individuals and when I say untrained they could be trained in what the what
the enforcement rules are but other aspects of how to deal with with folks um it it has been expressed to be a a a real concern. So, um, we could talk about issues involving enforcement, and
I know that in and of itself is a discussion that has come out, we've talked about it through the environmental commission. It's come up with other other committees and other commissions as well. Um, but I think there is room in like a an overall
enforcement conversation with the city manager to try to address address these issues >> and with our city attorney. It would. Yes. Correct. But it would it would start with the it would start with the city manager. But yes,
>> I I just had another idea talking about like care for the parks and things like that. It it could be, you know, like the Americanore program or a a summer internship program where college
students or high school students are on this the park team or the environment team and they do things like they rotate amongst the parks for cleanups and weeding. they could host beach cleanups
and you know there there could be something really positive there and that's very like lowhanging fruit in terms of training. Um, you may have to have at least a, you know, an adult paid staff that works with the team, but
there could be something. I know it's a workforce issue and these parks look great, but I can share a case where at the nature center they put in a garden in honor of me and it looks like crap.
Now, I'm like, I almost want to say, can you please take the sign off >> yourself? I mean, I I I had this feeling it was going to fail because they rushed it. They they like put the the garden they planted the
plants before the soil was really prepped properly. And if you go by there now, it's just all weeds. Um but >> Steve, I got >> Yes. If if I may add just one other issue and and I realize >> and if if our if our public works is
listening to this and and our city managers listening I think our public works did a fantastic >> they are they >> absolutely fantastic job of maintaining uh the city and I'm I think we're we're getting into like literally in the weeds here as far as this um particular
discussion because I suspect everybody agrees with me along those lines. Um I know that public works had an issue this year and this has been an ongoing issue of really being able to fully staff um the positions that would be available and we're talking about seasonal
positions. Um city we we outsourced um maintenance for cutting cutting the grass at the parks through out Kate May because we have advertised for uh for seasonal employees. We've held open
houses for employees and city has not been able to fill those positions even with what I'm told is competitive competitive allies hour hourly salaries for um for the jobs. So it's um part of
it's a consequence I'm told of being near the bottom of the state. I mean everybody has to come from from the north because you can't come from the south, the east or the west because we're surrounded by water. So we're limited as far as the pool of of folks that we're able to pull from. But um
they've been the city has been hasn't been able to fill all of the seasonal positions. So for instance, as I said, the uh the lawn cutting even maintenance of the uh of the public restrooms on the on the prominade and throughout the city
on the weekends um have been not been able to fill those positions. So some of these I'm uh everybody's trying to do the best they can. You know, I think we're on the one hand, even when things look like really good above water, it's like it's like the duck. Smooth sailing
on top, pedalling away really fast and furious down below. That's what um the city right now when we're in this summer mode, so many people in town, so many different programs and activities going on. Um there's a lot of heavy duty paddling going on to try to try to
maintain that. Steve, there may be some you might have some discussion about maybe budgeting or privatizing something to make a budget line item for some of these things that we really want to make sure we maintain some of these parks. I'm not saying a staff I mean have some
company a private company come in there and say look this is your job to maintain >> or at least supervise public maybe maybe whoever it is maybe maybe they can get volunteers but they this is their job to maintain the servicing of Lafayette Street Park the the Harbor View Park anything else where
we really I mean public ser public works does really good job but some of these guys they just don't know how to do things like that and where if you get a guy that privatizes thing he may be able that this is what they do. So maybe it's an idea to maybe privatize it and get a a line item budget for something like
this for whatever you want to consider it to be. Maybe it's just a management position like but somebody somebody has to take the control of that thing. Just a thought. >> Okay. >> Um getting back to the to the park. I have the the entrances are going to be
at Lafayette Street and off of Broad Street. Is that >> I'm sorry you say that again. the uh the entrance from the uh to the Lafayette Street Park will be at a Lafayette Street entrance and possibly a rear along Broad Street. Is that right? >> I I believe there's an entry off of
Lafayette Street. I um I'm trying to recall as far as >> I mean what I'm >> the plan the plan with the memorial garden it's it is right there in Lafayette Street sort of where they're parking now for construction of the
police station. It's in there. I remember that. And it's like kind of a a little maybe a flag pole and a curve. That's the main entrance. >> So, yes, that's correct. So, on the corner of St. John and Lafayette is the police station. Um to directly to if you
were on Lafayette Street, to the to the right of that, I'll say, would be the entry into the park and the parking lot um is is located there. Um, and then just to the right of that is where the hardcourt surfaces are located.
>> The I don't recall. >> Well, the reason I was getting at it because I know that in the past they've used part of that park or at least the utility fields for helicopter emergency rescue type things. And I would like to think that they'd still have something there planned for that.
>> There's still going to be a substantial there's still a substantial >> that's where they would go to the softball field. But the point was that they would use that back entrance to instead of everybody blocking off Lafayette Street, they would be able to come up the back way up a broad street and kind of like a a back road kind of way that they could get emergency
vehicles up the rear of it and not to the front part of it. I mean, I think it's sometimes I think the the the fire department would rather these not have a helicopter entrance there, but they would just get let it go somewhere else and they would just drive
that person to that other place. But, you know what I mean? So, I know I know that in the plan there's still a substantial green space built into the into the park that look I'm not going to pretend to know how much space you need to land a helicopter, but I think that it's still pretty it's still pretty big.
Um, I know you could big I guess what would be a landing zone to be able to to be able to utilize. >> Well, I know you could do it. It's just a matter of how you how you get there because there's a couple times we've used it in fire police. It's like you got to keep people away from it, you know, and and it's just it's it could be
it could it's a desirable place to have it, but I think it has to be thought through. Hopefully, they can get something worked through that. Okay. >> The other thing the you mentioned the um the three distinct active the the uh basketball court, the tennis court, and the uh pickle ball courts. I'd like to
see at least maintain all three of those and don't take away any of them. I mean, because I think it's it's good to have all three of those things in that park. Okay. >> Okay. So, >> let's not charge anybody to some kid wants to bang a ball around, he shouldn't have to pay for any of this stuff to go anywhere else. You know what
I mean? That's what the parks are for. >> Yeah. So, that's that's what they're working through right now. That's the whole point is exactly the point to provide active free recreation that doesn't exist for >> residents, visitors. I mean, what to me,
you just look around the neighborhood. That's one an area where we actually have full-time residents living in Cape May. >> Um, and they've been faced with an area that really was, you know, undeveloped for, you know, for the reasons that we know about for a long time. What a great what a great chance to literally walk
across the street and go and go to what's going to be public. So, yeah, with with free facilities. >> So, if they keep going, they can go on the on the nature trail on foot, not on bike. And I like your idea about making
science bigger for for what you can't do there, you know. >> So this this um Paul Dietrich, I know you're listening to this meeting, but um the discussion of of signage has come up more than once as far as reviewing and
discussing discussing that. So um I would say this, Gretchian, it's it's a great point. It's it is an ongoing conversation. >> Yeah, >> we've kind of meandered all around. Does anybody else have anything they want to say about that?
>> Maybe you know this. Did they on that trail? Did they plant wildflower seeds? >> Well, there's definitely some things that somebody did. There's definitely wild flowers that came up that were not there before and are not necessarily native, but it looks nice.
>> The birds >> and it's it's more than that. And and then at the entry of the trail, the elevated trail, they put in pompus grass and it didn't come back, >> which is good because it's non-native
and there's an opportunity that we could do like a planting day if they do any of the cleanup days there. I think you had one last year, may got cancelled or something for the rain. Um, but maybe that's something we could
do as an environmental commission. Buy a few native plants to spruce up the entry point. That's it. May those grasses may have died because it got flooded. Um, and so we just
picked something that's going to work. >> Would that being We would provide the money for that. I'm not sure. What do you I'm not sure how we would do it. That's a good idea, but how do how we actually get it implemented? How >> Well, I mean, there was a planned cleanup day on the trail. It did get
cancelled, I think, last fall because of weather. But if if we go out there and do some trail maintenance, cutting down some invasive vines or throwing in some native wild flowers, we could plant.
It's It's 5T. It's not a big area to plant. got anything planned, Dave? Do you know? I'm sorry. >> You have do you have anything planned for that kind of a thing? Clean up out clean up for that part of it? >> No, we have um plan again this year, the
October cleanup at the nature trail that's on the books for this year. >> Okay. >> For that cleanup, but there's nothing associated with planning that day. >> There are some leftover plants at the nature center. What I'd like to do, let me take this
idea back to the city manager to to talk about this because I appreciate Dave, I know you could you could take it back, but let me let me talk with the city manager about the idea of um that I heard three things that came out of it. Those those the pompus plants that you mentioned that are on the the side of
the trail, which I suspect were placed there simply to act as a barrier to keep people from walking below uh below that area. And I agree with you. I've noticed that as well walking on the trail that they they don't look good, you know. So
um the and I know it had been a topic as well before we had in in this group had talked about wild flowers along that um along that that area which is a fantastic area and would be
would help beautify it but also may help curtail some of the invasiveness that comes in I suspect from uh from you know what had had previously been been cleared out as Well, and and some type
of cleanup as well. So, let me um let me talk with the city manager about that to uh see how he responds to that. >> Good. >> Okay. And I'll ask for him to either give a report at our next meeting or I'll report back on that at our next meeting.
>> Okay. Before we get into new business, uh Dave sent me a letter from Emily over at the Nature Center. I am submitting a donation request to the City of Cape May Environmental Commission on behalf of the Nature Center of Cape May. I'm requesting a donation of $600 to cover the cost of entertainment at our annual
Monarch Festival, which will be held on Sunday, September 27th, 2026. The festival draws about 1,800 visitors and educates them about the importance of Cape May as a migratory refuge for monarch butterflies. Thank you for your consideration. I assume we're in favor
of this. Somebody want to make a motion to >> I'll make a motion. >> So, we're going to submit request to donate $600 to the nature center. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Okay, that's done.
Uh, next the I guess we're go talk about the the feedback from the from the last meeting about when we broke out into individual groups. I mean, I wasn't here, but uh they broke out into horseshoe crab findings, the gardening
findings, and the water conservation. U we really don't know what I guess, let's just have a conversation now as a group about what the findings were saying. Now, for the horseshoe crabs, somebody want to step up and say what actually went on and what whether
we all want to agree to certain things as a whole group. Can we do that? >> Yeah, I could probably speak to it. Um so Barbara and I sat and had lots of ideas on how to drive awareness within the community and with visitors is like um around uh just the importance of
horseshoe crabs, how what you do should you come across them um how to handle them if needed. Um there were a lot of ideas from whether we go to some of our local uh publications, our lo local newspapers to put in articles for education and awareness potentially
partnering with the nature uh uh with the nature center as well as others um within Kate May County. And and from my perspective, I think this is something knowing that the and please correct me if I'm wrong, but sort of like the height of horseshoe crab season really
comes about around May. Um I think this is something that we can sort of do small things um between now building up to next May of 2027 where uh you know potentially um there's something larger we can do you know for awareness you
know at the beginning of their season. Um, I think about this in context of all the other things that we're looking at as an environmental commission and, you know, when I think about what we can get over the finish line in 2026, um, this is something I think we can plant seeds for in 2026, but have it come to full
fruition potentially in 2027. Um, those were my initial thoughts. Barbara, did you have anything to add or I know you joined um, sort of late in our conversation as well. um just that they're to partner because there are a lot of organizations that are doing this
between the nature center um conserve wildlife, the NJP, the wetlands institute. >> Um return the favor is this um collaborative by all those organizations to get people out to count horseshoe
crabs and to flip them and save them. Um, that being said, Kate May City has an issue. It's the harbor and the present state of the harbor. The way all of the concrete and the rip wrap along
the edge of the shoreline, horseshoe crabs get stuck all the time. And um the nature center has hosted uh a return the favor event on the harbor,
but I think more can be done. Um so talk talk to these groups that are already doing some of these things maybe could really help with getting the word out like co-sponsoring event. Um, May is
a extremely busy time for all of those environmental organizations because of spring migration, the horseshoe crabs, everybody's plates really full. Um, I remember working at the nature center. I like got one day off in May in the month
of May because you're just working every weekend. But maybe there's something that the city could could help in and take over. um you know, host a night at the nature center or or something and where you walk along the beach and actually try to
get these crabs that are wedged in the rocks. Um so >> yeah, >> just just partner because organizations are doing it. >> Oh, sorry. >> The um the guy from the boarding house,
right? Normally he does Yeah, he does a beach cleanup >> every different beaches. So, I'm wondering he doesn't really start that in May, right? He starts that June, July, like later on. >> He starts in April.
>> April. He does start in April. Okay. I'm thinking if he's he could help us, you know, rather than a beach cleanup that month, he could do a crab clean up that month or whatever. >> And, you know, >> Yeah. And it's with all his connection. >> It's May and June and May and June. Um,
yeah. I mean, at the end of April is when we do a beach, the beach cleanups with clean ocean action. Um, >> okay. >> And in a way, you don't want to be on the beach too much because the birds are on the beach and the eggs are on the beach. So, it's you have to be really
sensitive when you're walking on the beach and you don't want to disturb what's happening. But at the same time, horseshoe crabs are getting stuck on our beaches and dying. Um, so
if I may, what what I'm hearing is I mean there there is an idea, but um what I think um is there a way to refine what the goal is, the actual goal? And once once I think there's a
determination of what the goal is, then a game plan game plan can be put together to try to achieve that goal. And then what I would suggest is there if we talk together amongst um to determine what is the the goal that we
want to achieve then um a subcommittee could work on taking the steps to try to achieve that goal. I think that the breakout sessions were to tidy up some ordinances that we have
and others that we don't have. And we don't have anything on horseshoe crabs at all. So this was an introduction to understanding more about the horseshoe crab at our level and then creating an ordinance
which we would all look at and agreed to and send it to council for approval. So, is there is there any um other municipalities have they put together horseshoe crab ordinances? Because it would be helpful to know if there if
there is an ordinance. Um look, it doesn't mean we have to mirror that, but it gives you it gives us an opportunity to to see what another community has done to find out whether it's something that works for them or doesn't work for them. um as we talk this through to see what is the the best way to to move
forward for for >> Kate May to Downtownship in Cumberland County because they do host a horseshoe crab festival. Um >> Jen, you want to head that subcommittee?
>> Yeah, I will. I will. Happy to. >> All right, that's fine. >> So, yes, first order is to define clearly what our goal is. Um and then we'll start building from there. >> Absolutely. I think there's a lot of great ideas behind this. Yeah. So, >> and then when we looked at the gardening
findings, part of that was because we have a marvelous association with New Jersey. and New Jersey Ottabon can connect us to
gardens that have been approved as butterfly gardens and gardens that stand out to help um the birds, the bees, the butterflies. And I don't know that the public
understands that those signs are still available and what the criteria is to achieve that wonderful little sign in your yard. And that was the purpose of trying to get those findings. And we're only just
beginning. We had a few minutes at last meeting. I was thrilled with the kind of conversations that were going on and that was the purpose in in that particular instant water conservation. >> Let's get back Let's get back to the
Let's try and get some kind of a subcommittee on the gardening. Anybody want to just kind of try and >> Gretch was on it. >> Get our goals and get our goals in order for that. Anybody want to do that? >> Anybody want to help? >> I'll do it. >> Okay. Trying to get work together anyway.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Kim. >> All right. You'll be the you'll >> Okay. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> Okay. Sorry. Water conservation, you know, something that we've been acutely
aware of for any number of years now that the city needs a second diesel plant. We certainly are acutely aware about how much water we use all of the time. And while when we
sat here some 30 years ago thinking about our first diesel plant, people were anxious to help. All the businesses were on board. The B&Bs were
fantastic. The restaurants were out of this world. Everybody on the mall was right there helping. And what I think is, and I can see from Justine's point of view,
that there is no code enforcement in terms of water use, even as simply as who has the right to water when outside. We have ordinances and I've given those ordinances to
Gretchen because she has kind of taken on gardening and certainly provided them for um Justine as well. So we need to get back
to that startling moment when we understood that there were aquafers available to us. But how many times can we tap into that aquifer? This is the next 25 years. We'd be
starting again. And we were given two years of lectures in this room by the most outstanding people from worldwide
to tell us about what it means to have this type of water and how, you know, an aquafer might not be serving us in the future if we're outrageously using water
all the time. Steve, you know, I heard your comments about Fourth of July, and I wonder if the city has ever thought about monetary use of the showers along the prominade.
>> Have they ever thought about that, do you think? >> So, I think that in in part there's there's so many different aspects regarding water conservation and enforcement. So, and I think that
the city is interested in addressing those issues. Um and a lot of very I think positive uh information, positive feedback as well as a framework for
uh regarding uh considerations for the DEO plant, building of the DEO plant, water usage, and the messaging that you had mentioned as far as the community being committed to the idea of of water conservation came out of the the
Colombia projects. So I um I have had conversations with the city manager and what the city manager has has asked is whether we would consider putting together or having a city subcommittee
that would address the water conservation that would incorporate um I think the city manager's office, the water department and members of the environmental commission to address all of the issues that we're talking about now. I think that's
>> he's he's receptive to that and I think it's I think it's a really good idea >> involves us getting a subcommittee again now for the water conserv has to get us for a subcommittee now for the water conservation correct >> yes >> all right >> so I think what I think what the city manager would want is who are the who are the folks that would be um from the
environmental commission involved in that and the the city will take the initiative to uh to get to start moving forward with >> I'm going to volunteer Justine she's not here but I'm going to volunteer her >> so I'm volunt Yeah, I volunteer in Justine. She's she's okay. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> There I think >> I think um I'm sorry. >> No, it's okay. Go. >> I think you know just sitting here listening um when we talk about conservation, we also have to balance that discussion with renewable. Mhm.
that I if we think with the expansion of our community, which is ongoing, and with some of the other dots in our community, with affordable housing, expanding opportunities for people to to
launch and stay here, and businesses that want to grow, and tourism that extends beyond seasons, that conservation is not pulling back the use of water per se. I mean, we have to balance that out the same as we're doing
with solar um and wind. We have uh water reuse and there's a ton of good literature and resour resources in that area. So, I would love to be involved in a a city-wide initiative, but I think we
have to be very careful if we're going to clutch our pearls at 2.9 million and think that's the end because it will not be. And um I that's the only thing I'm listening that you know people come
here, live here, they want gardens, they want pools, they want showers, they want the beach, they don't want the sand. Um we have businesses that are expanding. So I'm not saying throw away the um Colombia
model and all that. it goes with education. But I'm also saying we have to be more um mindful that there's a big pel a lot of good information out there for water reuse and renewable. >> You're right and I
>> you're also subcommittee by the way. >> Well, I won't say too much more. >> Yeah. No, you're right. And it's >> it's one it's one part of the conversation. So, and I I suspect that um
it will extend beyond just water conservation as far as with those discussions. So, and and you're absolutely right. We need to take into consideration those issues of usage is expanding and to just suggest that people are um that we can address every
issue regarding use as far as just cutting back is it's it's simply one element. And I think there have been discussions as far as renewability. So >> there there was also 25 years ago
a um I don't know Charlotte if you were on this. I w I served on a committee. It was a regional southern it was the mayor's advisory committee on water conservation and it was more regional.
It was Cape Island. representatives from Kate May Point and West Kate May and lower township and um because water doesn't know boundaries and it really is Cape when we're looking at the saltwater
intrusion that's impacting the need for the del. It's really Cape Island which doesn't just stop at the Cape May border. So, we might have to think about that as well. Um, just throwing that out there.
>> Okay. So, do we >> Steve, can you get with Paul to set up that meeting with Can you get with Paul to set up something some kind of a meeting for that? >> Yes. I just want to be certain as far as who uh who is going to be members of the subcommittee. >> Well, three so far. Justine,
>> Rose, >> Barb Rose, and Justine. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And Rose. >> And Rose. >> Who else did I say? >> Rose. >> You did. Justine, >> Justine, Rose, and Barber. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> I got you there.
>> Yeah. >> Any other comments on any of these other subcommittees that we set up today? >> I have a short >> Go ahead, Charlotte. You want to say something? >> Sure. Thanks. So, in terms of sustainability,
um, I have just a few little pieces to share with you today. And um it starts with whatever is connecting us to nature makes us feel better about
ourselves. And that came from Time magazine. Then we had foraging Cape May. Look at this Cape May County Herald. And in the Herald, this pictorial says that indeed
these are Cape May County's edible wild plants, beach plums and dandelions. Dandelions get a terrible name. And yet, my grandmother thought they were greatest for salads and for jellies,
>> wine. >> And wine. Yes. And then we had the Herald again last week saying that just use water wisely, tips for weathering South Jerseys historic drought
and a couple copies there. And then our own Emily at the nature center wrote a beautiful column back in May called the good weeds. And in here in particular, she talks
about Joe pieed as another exceptional native plant. And it's wonderful to think that we have that much information coming to us in free force, but I don't see anything
from the environmental commission in the newspapers. Whereas in the past, we always had a certain balance budget that allowed us to put certain information into at least
the Star Wave or maybe the County Herald. And lastly, I'd like to say that Annapolis, Annapolis magazine, because I am a sailor and because our entire family are sailors,
that they devoted a most amazing issue talking about the United States Sailing Association and practices for boers that make us
more sustainable. in terms of not allowing overflow of your fuel. Um, slow down, reduce fuel. In our harbor, we have some of the most obnoxious, I will say, people who are
going way too quick. For the little sailors who are out there trying to learn to sail, make sure trash doesn't end up in the water. Separate recycling and waste garbage. Be mindful to allow items made
from plastic not to get into the single use um plastic zone. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Keep your boat
clean. So with that, I just think that I would love to be able to see some as we did in the past. I think Justine did a beautiful job getting some of our ordinances into some graphics and maybe
people are more interested in graphics than they are in reading. I'm not sure, but that's my today. Thank you. Well, I'm writing a column for the star and wave and I need topics. So, if
anybody has ideas, I wrote about snakes this week. >> Thank you. >> Um, but >> you know, I'm always looking and my husband writes a weekly column. I just do monthly, but he's looking for topics, too. >> Great. >> So,
you have ideas, let us know. >> Okay. >> Oh, yeah. >> Dave, uh, >> they're here. You wanted to you want to talk about dune day? You want to mention something about dune day? >> Yeah. So, um talk with public works asking for opinion for doomday for a new planting area for this year. Um
I was seeing if you guys would like to do um new beach headquarters, new building. Um some of not much vegetation was lost due to the construction, but there's definitely some big holes in either side that can be filled in. Um, and I thought just my idea might be kind
of neat to do more colorful things this year. >> On behalf of the committee, done. >> Yeah. So, um, I just if I get recommendations maybe from Gretchen about what kind of plants would be really good other than just the grasses.
Anything else that you recommend? >> Obviously, there a date on that >> approved by DP deep. He has a list of what can be planted on. >> You have a date on that, Dave? You have a date on that >> for day. Um, it's gonna be the same time as last year. Um, I haven't add made up. I just want to get make sure you guys are okay with the location. >> So, it sounds like everybody is.
>> It's all right with the Anybody else have anything reason why not? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Now, I'm thinking maybe same amount last year that we ordered in terms of plants. I thought it was a a fair amount. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yeah. I'm just thinking about the one
guy that took a bundle and he >> Dave, can we contact that? Sure. I can give you all the information you need to reach out to them. >> Anything else in nature? >> I just I'll just keep in communication
with Gretchen. Is that okay? >> Yes. >> Yeah. I mean it's Yes. >> Okay. Also something about nature center Dave. >> Beginning in October October third. >> Yeah. It's the same weekend. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Which >> did you have something to say about the nature center? >> Yeah, the nature center. It was just the request from nature center for the
donation. >> Yeah. Anybody have anything else they want to say? Go to the order. >> That little brochure. >> Thank you. >> Many of you were there last night
with a play that was presented by >> um Kate Hathaway, written by Kate Hathaway >> and um the cast of characters were absolutely wonderful. The play was
entitled Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Wonderland. And um I can't believe how wonderful this whole program was and put together within maybe four weeks. It was a super
amazing group of children who live in our community and who were guided by a wonderful actress Kate McCaulay Hathaway. Um along with many others who helped
volunteer for this theater camp. Um, I think that it would be in my estimation a terrific idea that these children get the advantage to go to the nature center to see some of the creatures that they
were talking about in real life. So, I thank you for listening to that. It was terrific. Just a quick add-on that was produced primarily by Kate May Care is working with Kate Hathaway given that she
volunteered her time to write produce and direct it. So anything that you wanted to do with regard to working with those kids might be useful to go in coordination with Kate May Cares through this organization be wonderful.
>> Thank you one day. >> All right. Motion to adjurnn. So moving >> one more thing. Um so from the uh understanding that everything is interconnected one of my roles here is um where we
dovetail and align with HPC. So as you may or may not know since the beginning of last year we've had four alignment workshops with all of the HPC commissioners. And what we work on is aligning around the work that we need to do as a commission. And our next
workshop is this Thursday. And we are focusing on what we have learned in the last 3 years since this new set of design standards was published in September of 2023 where these need to be updated, revised, etc. And I just have a request of all of you. One of the things
that I've put on the list as one example is how we are currently holding what is considered appropriate or not for photovoltaic systems on roofs of historic houses. So that's just one issue looking at where there might be ways to promote more uh sustainable
energy and renewable energy sources. So I'm just asking if anybody of any of you folks or this commission has any ideas about what you think might be useful to us to incorporate more specifically and explicitly in our HBC standards. I
welcome it. probably don't have time to talk about it today, but please send me an email of any ideas you have and I'll bring it forth to our meeting, which is a 4-hour meeting on Thursday here in this space. >> Do you want time next meeting to to speak about anything else? Do you want
more time next meeting to speak about this stuff? Anything idea? >> You know, it might it might be a good idea. We'll see what comes up with uh our group of Well, see, there'll be 12 of us there, so we'll see what happens. Okay, >> John, I can add if you like um to the
agenda every month HPCA. >> That'd be great. The update. Good. >> Yes, I can just add the general every month. >> I might not have anything to say, but thank you. >> Yeah, if you don't, you don't. >> Great. >> I find that hard to >> think that'd be a good idea to put it on as standard. >> Yep. >> Very good. Good deal.
>> Okay. Motion to adjurnn. Motion. >> Good deal. All in favor? Mic's off.