Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> small town >> [clears throat] >> Oh, good to see everybody. Yeah, we're we are going to get organized with volunteers um in the next few weeks and basically
there'll be like different tiers of volunteers. It's like if someone wants to be in a leadership position um or if there's someone who wants to be like I'm plan meetings and I'm doing calls
with donors. Like there are just so many different tasks. Okay. Okay. Um we have a team of hired consultants. But it's okay because we gave them a lot
Um we sent it back. Jonathan, we need that. It's template. I know. It makes a big difference in what you sell it. Um that's definitely something that we're trying to be on the top of.
Um but yeah. We do. We're just trying to figure out hiring a new campaign manager. And then other tiers that involve like field organizing,
field directors. I guess we really need to think about what you would be most likely to do and then what type of commitment you want to make. Um because if it's a if it's regular, if you're willing to give a few hours a
week, maybe it would make more sense to actually be a point person for the other volunteers. Right? Because we need people to There are lots of people that are What can I do to help?
But there aren't as many people who are who are saying I will be the like a volunteer team leader." So, that's really what we could do. If you're Yeah. Yeah. It's been
So, uh I'm so overwhelmed. Yeah. Um and well, there's so many people that have offered to help, but we don't have the delegation system um
organized yet. And so, it means I agreed one thing. It doesn't take us a minute. Yeah, but we don't know what to give up. So, that's kind of why with now with this climate school
we're kind of like So, it's now it's just a Things fall Things fall apart. But frankly, >> [snorts] >> since then Jesus
And then that's That's when things started falling. So, We're trying. First flight. >> If you book it like >> I've been trying >> Talking about that >> Sorry, I didn't tell you. I forgot to do
this. So, oh no. >> Max >> Chelsea >> My name is um >> What they got? >> Uh >> Yeah. >> [snorts] >> Stop inviting him.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah, I appreciate >> every single 100 yards of >> I got to stand up. >> So, they moved there. for the >> Essentially, it's a survival
>> My dog has >> Sometimes you find a place and that's it. But you find a place that >> But it must be hard for a >> I don't know. Well, for a while you're running into each other every day at the gym. >> Yeah. >> And then and then 20 minutes later
you're running into each other. And then you can't stop and then you're shopping and shopping. >> And then >> Just then, I just checked the weather. It's supposed to start raining in 18 minutes. And rain for all all day and through the night. >> That's great.
>> Yeah. >> That means I don't have to water the plants this afternoon. >> That's right. It also [snorts] means you have to give me a ride home. >> Oh, [laughter] okay. Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Yeah. >> If you don't mind. >> No problem. We each need the rain so much.
>> We need it. Yeah. Uh it really looks like a rainy week. >> I'm sure. How you doing? You want to go in? How many days? You need directions? >> Looks like we're going to get some rain.
Yeah, I hope. >> Instead of a drizzle. >> [clears throat] >> 95% chance of rain. >> My kids can >> Starting in about 15 minutes. Yeah, hopefully. We're we're we are in a drought.
>> Sorry, guys. >> That's okay. >> These are These folks here for proposing that a small cell uh distribution phones in town. They're here to see us and as you can see, so we'll continue this conversation.
>> Mics are on, please. Good morning, everyone. Mike isn't here today and he has asked me to chair the meeting for him. So, we will have a kind of a different format today. We will
be listening to everyone's thoughts, but maybe in a subcommittee. Um and there will be three subcommittees. And we welcome people in the audience who have some thoughts about these. We'd really appreciate your input, too. Thank you.
So, with that said, let's have our pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. And we have the minutes from our May meeting. Um Have you had a chance, members, to look them over? Can someone please give a motion to
approve them? >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second. >> All in favor, please. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Okay, then um back in January of this year
>> do you do you want to do a roll call? >> Sure. Go ahead, Dave. >> So, Mike Jones. Councilman Bodner. >> [snorts] >> Gretchen. >> Here. >> Kimberly. Randall. >> Here. >> Barbara.
>> Present. >> Sarah. >> Here. >> Jennifer. >> Here. >> Rose. John. Justine. >> Present. >> Charlotte. >> Here. >> And myself.
Perfect. >> Okay, so in January, um, there were some offerings to have committees get together and further some work in areas that we have been touching on
over the years, but have never really finalized. And, um, one recommendation was an ordinance to support the horseshoe crabs. And, um, I'll just read that this ancient creature is extremely important to man
and wildlife. Few people realize how important the horseshoe crabs are to modern medicine. Their blue copper-based blood clots in the presence of bacterial toxins. Medical researchers use this blood to
test intravenous drugs, vaccines, and medical devices to ensure they're free from bacterial contamination. Every year, many thousands of horseshoe crabs are harvested from our habitats and bled and then returned to the
beaches unharmed. Horseshoe crabs are important ecologically. More than 20 species of migratory birds, fish, and crab species rely on these eggs as a part of their diet.
If you see a horseshoe crab lying on its back, gently grasp the sides of the shell and turn it over right side up, never by its tail. And the thought is that, oh, thank you. That, um,
here we are in horseshoe crab season and there are still people at the harbor and along the beaches who may not know. They think by putting the horseshoe crab back in the water, picking it up by its
tail, that they have indeed done something to help this this creature. But, indeed, it is our responsibility, I think, to try to get the word out to people through an ordinance protecting the
horseshoe crab because they are so present within our waters and beaches. So, that said, that would be one of the ordinances worked on today. Certainly, we still have gardening
and the backyard as a habitat for many species, butterflies and birds. And here we are in this wonderful environment, and we actually don't have
an ordinance protecting that area of our And thirdly, we do have water conservation. Over the years, we've talked about water conservation, and in particular, we have
an ordinance dating back to 1997 when we needed our first desalt plant. And in this particular ordinance, there's landscaping and vegetation plan.
And then secondly, we had a land a landscaping ordinance from 1999 that talks about outdoor watering and the fines that people might incur if they are watering on the wrong day of
the week for their part in the city. And I don't know that anybody really ever understands that these ordinances are on the books, but may not have the proper enforcement. So, we need to get that sort of
information out as well. We have a lot of work to do today, and I've talked enough. What I'd like to have you do as committee members, meet in groups. For example, let's have gardeners in one
space, let's have water people in another space, and let's have horseshoe crab people in another space. And let's begin to get some real work done on creating new ordinances for our wonderful town
and these species. I appreciate that. So, [snorts] who'd like to be in the gardening space? Go to that area. And Hope I've invited today because she's a long-time member of the Environmental Commission for many, many
years, and she understands the process of what it is to have a gardening wildlife sign. So, Gretchen, do you think you and Hope would want to Anybody else? >> Yeah, I just have one question. Are we
going to have a chance after we have our work session, have a chance to talk about some new business issues and some other things? >> Yeah. Do you want to do that now or >> Well, I just wanted to share cuz it's coming up. The Nature Center of Cape May's fundraiser is just 2 and 1/2 weeks
away. >> Okay. >> Hopefully, Harbor View Park will be done in time um because the event is scheduled for that location. So, I do have a flyer about it and then a mini little flyer with a um QR code on it.
Ticket sales are kind of low right now. So, please spread the word. Um I know people kind of wait till the last minute, but it would be really helpful to um promote the event cuz it is the major fundraiser for the center. um, [snorts]
back in our home ground, we've had successful events at Harborview Park and it's pretty exciting that it's um, scheduled for that spot which is going to be a a public space that does highlight native
plants and um, you know, things appropriate for a coastal setting. So, I'm really excited about that park and it's a way to celebrate the accomplishment by the city and support the nature center. So, please come
uh, buy a table, buy tickets and tell all your friends. So, here's info. I'll just leave it up here on the corner. I just wanted to make sure we said that cuz it's only two two and a half weeks away and if you also, I'll put this here
as well, there's a silent auction. So, if there's any um, items that you have to donate or you know a business and there's a donation form, a letter donation form and uh, we're trying
this one's covered with paint. As you notice, I'm very sorry. I'm covered with [laughter and clears throat] paint. I was just at the center this morning doing gardening and and patriotic crafts for uh, next week. But um, anyway, still looking for donations. This week, next week is when
we're trying to wrap up the silent auction items. So, >> So, do we drop those off at the center if we have something? >> have something, yes, drop it off or call and someone will run and pick it up. >> Okay, thank you, Gretchen. >> I just wanted to make sure I said that.
>> I appreciate that. Thank you. Anybody else with some comments before we get to our groups? >> Just um, a question and some clarity. So, when we get into our groups, what would you like to see come out of the of that session of that work session?
>> I think that you and your chair could decide that. >> Okay. >> Okay, we're looking for ordinances. Ultimately. >> Okay. >> These are brand new ordinances. >> Okay. >> So, there is no particular structure at least in the past for how an
ordinance is put together. It is put together by many years of people thinking through things and trying and it won't all happen at once. >> Right.
>> This is just round one of working. >> Agreed. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. >> I would like to share an update with the group as well. The >> [clears throat] >> um Taxpayers Association asked me to speak at their meeting um
last week about the work with the desal plant and the climate the climate school and initially I was apprehensive and expecting room of naysayers and
an hour and 45 minutes later everyone in the association was on board and asking how they can partner with the EC to help implement the water conservation recommendations that Columbia provided to us. Um so, it was really really inspiring
and hopefully as we form a subcommittee surrounding um that initiative if we can loop in some of the community individuals from that association as well. They tend to go to city council meetings and be kind of louder voices in
our community that I think we could lean on. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much for all your hard work. >> That's it. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> Anyone else? >> Can we also just touch on old business? So, I know Mike's not here for the
planning board. But, Mr. Bonner's here. Maybe he can give us updates on any kind of city updates before we start into the group sessions. Yeah. >> Um too, don't recall if this was happened before. I don't recall if this happened before
or after our last environmental commission meeting, but there recently was a We talked about the planning board meeting about the proposed development off of Brooklyn Avenue.
There was a There was a planning board application. There's a number of lots there which are contiguous to part of the Yeah, the sole track. And apparently some of those lots are developable
by right. An applicant came in to make an application for a development of 22 residential properties. Seeking variances for They're seeking seeking variances for
regarding that would address grading issues on the property as far as a retaining wall. Specifically, the variance they were seeking was for a retaining wall around the wetlands. The application failed before the
planning board by one vote. So, We're planning board is scheduled to meet this evening to pass the resolution that goes along with that particular hearing. But, if you have an opportunity, I suggest
watching that last planning board meeting. Give a lot more information regarding that particular application. >> Can I comment on that? Because I reviewed that application on behalf of the Environmental Commission
and recommended denial because first of all, they need a whole bunch of permits from the DEP. They need two freshwater wetlands permits, one to fill in wetlands, one to cross wetlands for the for the road.
To and then there's another permit application called a buffer averaging plan where they reduce the buffer in spots and then increase it in other spots. I mean, I was literally shocked to see this application. I used to do
this for a living before I worked at the Nature Center. I worked with developers and engineering firms and all of that and this application I thought really pushed pushed pushed to the limit. And basically the DEP permits have to
take precedent. And I I just be surprised if the DEP issues those permits to allow this to happen. Um so I've said I recommended the planning board deny the permit uh
deny the application until you see how the dust settles with the DEP. But it really is kind of surprising to see this application. I said to myself, this developer must like to gamble because just to
to try this was was really surprising to me. And I just see that there's two more applications for general permits to fill wetlands here. So it it's like people are still trying cuz we all know the price of real estate in town that there's a premium and the
only thing that's hasn't been built on last it'll you know, that's left is probably wetlands or wetlands buffers. So they're trying and you know, I I'm reviewing applications.
Um anybody else that wants to help me look at the applications, you can. Um but that's sort of what's happening here. >> So, I would I would add that the permitting is would certainly have been
That was another issue that the applicant would need to address. It's independent of the planning board application. Obviously, they have to have all lights need to be green, you know, for them to have been able to do this particular proposal, but
um as I said, it um it did not pass. Um and I as I said, there's a there's a lot of detail um in that hearing. It was a very lengthy uh hearing. A lot of information was provided on behalf of the applicants.
Um there was a lot of community comment regarding uh regarding the the application as well. Um and uh you know, but that's that's where things stand at this point. So, it did it didn't pass. >> How did our professional planner
recommend to the board? >> Our professional um You're referring to Craig Curliss? >> Yes. >> So, he does not make a recommendation as far as whether it gets approved or does not get approved. He reviews the
application to make sure that the applicants have provided the sufficient information regarding regarding that and comments regarding conditions uh that that may be appropriate to be placed on that. So, I would say this. I mean, he
provided an incredibly detailed report that was helpful for everybody on the planning board. Um and I I would say also to the applicants to kind of define what the specific issues were, but the reality is the the application that came
before the planning board, they were looking for the primary variance was a variance regarding the retaining wall, not for construction on those lots. >> Do they intend to reapply?
Presumably? >> I I don't know. I don't know. So, um that will be, you know, the next step will clearly be up to the applicant to determine what course they want to want to pursue at this point. >> Thank you.
>> So, um I I know that kind of takes the the the wind out of the out of the room for a moment. Um I will mention there was one other um I guess there was an ordinance that was recently passed by City Council.
Um it received received some press coverage as well regarding um tree canopies on the cutting of tree canopies in in the city. Um essentially it it addresses over pruning
of trees and the preventing of over pruning of trees. Um I believe that the background of it is in regard to people making applications to have trees removed. Um those applications being denied by the
Shade Tree Commission and then um individuals pruning the trees which has the same practical effect effect as killing the tree. So, um this is this was an ordinance
that was discussed within the Shade Tree Commission, developed from from that organization and I think in response to um certain circumstances that they have seen around town along the lines of what
I just described. And it um it places a limitation on the amount of pruning that, uh, tree, you know, tree services can do on certain trees, um, to prevent them from, well, not
being healthy after the after they have been pruned. So, uh, that was just, uh, that was just passed, uh, very recently by City Council, and I think it's, uh, went to effect [clears throat] 20 days after passage, so I think it's probably like going into effect essentially right
about now. >> I just one other comment to, you know, when we break into our groups and we talk about potential ordinances, I think another thing that we really have to, um, address is you can pass an ordinance or you can approve of a planning board
plan with conditions, it's the enforcement that honestly I don't see happening. Um, and again, I can give you a couple examples of of plans that were approved
with conditions for planting native plants, and then I drive by them and it's a lawn or it's hydrangeas. It's not what the developer promised he would do and and was a condition of the permit
approval. So, we we really need to figure out how to improve that process. >> Um, so, at the TPA meeting, um, they were very keen on partnering with us to,
um, make strong recommendations to the city manager and council for the hiring of another code enforcement officer. Um, and the thought was that if we create, uh, like multi-body front, like bringing together a few uh
commissions or boards and ask for that. Um that you know, it may be more effective. >> Mhm. >> Um and certainly go a long way in in helping across many of these ordinances. Natives, water conservation, I mean, the
trees. Um maybe that could be one of our committees. >> Certainly could. >> Okay. Thank you, Gretchen. Thank you, John. Also, um
if any of you have green you know, keen interest in in our gardens, so could you kindly make some chair space around that table and use that as a discussion area?
And uh for water conservation, I did bring a couple of old ordinances um from 1997 and from 1999, and I don't know
if any of these items might be practical with your group or not. >> Okay. >> If anybody is interested in water conservation, perhaps we could use that table. And then, um
certainly we're looking at horseshoe crabs today, too. If there are a number of you interested in that in particular, why don't we just meet down at this end of the table? Does that make room enough for everyone?
And certainly we have audience participation at the end of the meeting. we ask our audience to stand and tell us about themselves and if there are any questions that we'd like to answer for you.
Okay? Thank you. All right. Horseshoe crab people, down here. >> [laughter] >> And oh, and by the way, we should pass these out. Everybody should have them again. >> Yes. >> This is um This is
a recipe that Justine gave us a number of years ago. I'll look right now. >> We could use two of those. >> Thank you. Are you folks horseshoe crab people? >> I'm interested in water conservation and
law enforcement. We were saying if if it's like a small horseshoe crab group and we're not like horseshoe crab specialists or anything, should it be more like we prioritize what order those things should be in? >> Yes. They're helpful today. And then it can change, you know, another week. But how about if
you meet with I'll switch seats with you. How about that? All right. That's okay. I don't mind at all. Yes, I do. Yes, I do. I surely do. >> Yeah, did you see the email that I sent
out? >> Well, you should see my house. It's a wreck. >> [laughter] >> But hey, someone has to be the keeper of the information. >> I think so, but for 30 years it's a a bit rough on me. >> I know. All the boxes. Yes, thank you.
Um no, I haven't done any work on it. I'm I don't know where those are. >> That's fine. >> Um but I emailed everyone with the different categories and was like, "Please just reply and let me know where they Okay. >> Okay. I know. I just feel sorry.
>> It's all right. Um I get it. It's just it's a lot. Um I guess uh what I need to do is figure out like
So you are really good with like media marketing assets. So Casey Bradigan said that she would help with that. So maybe I should just give you two like all the drafts for all of that stuff.
Does that make sense? Okay. Media and marketing Sarah >> And I worked with her before, so that's good. >> Okay, and then Casey, and then Barbara said the story map. So basically that's like
proofing it for accuracy. And then we have to figure out which locations are missing. Like the people that made it, they're familiar with our town, but they're not >> Right. >> as they don't have as intimate of
knowledge as we do. So like some of the locations are right, and some of them it's like we should add one here, add one there. So, just like reviewing everything. Um And then Gretchen
said she would help with the public art. Oh, and John did, too. Um And then Charlotte is mentioning the ordinance, but like we have lots.
So, really it's like I we don't need another one. We either it either needs to be like updated. But really it's about enforcement. It's just about enforcement. So, m- maybe [clears throat]
for this topic it isn't about making a new one, it's about getting more getting a code enforcement officer. Like ordinance education. But that is linked It's on the QR codes for all of the
marketing materials. So, it's on all and it's linked on the story maps. It's all Yeah, it's all connecting back to that ordinance. Chris question. >> Yeah.
And Paul will say like we can't hire someone cuz we only need them part of the year. Well, give them a wintertime task list and a summertime task list. Like have their position be dual prompt.
So, maybe as a commission that should be our ask. I'm pushing that. Okay. Cuz we have so often like people will come before the zoning board over and over just because things aren't being enforced. Okay, so so far we have
I'm sure the HPC would want more code enforcement. Hey John, do you think the HPC would be supportive of cross body cross commission request for
another code enforcement officer? Supportive if like a number of the commissions came together to request another code enforcement officer. So Sarah's saying zoning has the same problem, the EC has the same problem,
the TPA wants it. So if we all came together to ask Steve's like, "Oh no." >> [laughter] >> There's just too There are too many ordinances and too many different areas that not
doesn't have knowledge of and then how could they all be enforced all the time? >> We've just I've identified there's like a there's a rift. These ordinances are being passed and then they're not being enforced.
Okay. Yeah, basically I guess specifically we were thinking that if we if we made a request to city manager, to council to bring bring on another member of code enforcement um and it were it was that
request was supported by the members of zoning environmental commission HPC TPA like the more people and the more bodies that are supporting this request the more teeth it'll have.
Mhm. I think he's has to do everything. Like every single thing. >> Has Paul said it's just not in the budget? >> No, there's plenty of money. He just says, "Well, what is he going to do in the winter when there aren't people here?"
Apparently. Oh, okay. >> Thanks. So, even if we had a part-time between the shade tree and environment >> stick it into one pocket rather than
going into planning and zoning. >> They all work their orders. And we're trying to get our ordinances working. It's two different things. >> It's a lot to keep track of. Like, I almost feel like there needs to be like a tech somewhere somehow using tech to manage like everything that's coming in
through zoning that's a condition of approval. Everything that's coming through planning. Everything that's coming in through us. Like, I don't really know how it works right now, how they how one person is supposed to just remember. It's too much.
>> Like, I almost think the community does some of the policing of the shade tree. You know, like the neighbors are like They might be. I mean, we could possibly head down that street, too. People know what's going on in the town.
It's just you don't have any authority unless you're pushy. >> No. And then you don't want to have like neighbor disputes. >> Well, then you're making phone calls to code enforcement. >> I mean, I'm really glad you met with the village green people because they they run a tight ship over there.
>> The taxpayers association? Yeah. >> It originated in the village green and I mean, they wouldn't let somebody put a swimming pool on top of that. >> Uh it was, quite frankly, it was very scary at first. I'm like, I'm going in
to meet with a room full of like 70-85 year old white Republican men. >> [laughter] >> I was just like, oh my about environmentalism. I was not looking forward to it and by the time I left I was I it was a room
full of allies. Everyone was supportive. It was amazing. >> Well, it makes sense. It makes sense. And if it doesn't, then they >> Yeah. >> Right. Right. So true. >> [laughter]
>> Um So, maybe we should >> Okay. Wow. Okay. So, this was with this particular girls from the wetlands. >> Okay. I could take a drive out there and visit
with them, too. >> [clears throat] >> They have gotten in the past some heavy duty grants. Whereas we're our nature center is New Jersey Audubon ranked. >> Mhm. >> Um
they seem to get all kinds of money from big scholastic areas. I mean, people who live in Stone Harbor >> Yeah. >> have college backgrounds and >> A lot of money. >> and a lot of [laughter] money. Right.
>> Yes. >> And I'm sure it happens here in our city. We just haven't maybe tapped into that kind of background. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> We're so interested in making sure that
even the little people understand the nature of their environment. >> Yeah. >> Um I I don't believe that well, New Jersey Audubon itself has that community.
>> Yeah. >> who we're looking for who are funding. >> Right. Right. >> But um this is a little different. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So. >> No, I think I this might be worth a a visit and I'd like to get to better
know and understand what they're doing here especially through their adopt-a-horseshoe crab. I wonder if that's something we So we think about what we're doing in 2026 and 2027 maybe there's an adopt-a-horseshoe crab program of some sort, right? You know? I love it.
>> But um I like it. And then some of the other information of course um knowing that other states such as Maryland >> are doing something as well. Yes.
>> Exactly. Yes. >> It's a tremendous resource. >> Yeah. And actually the Chesapeake Bay has a foundation. Um and it's it's extremely active.
>> Yeah. Yeah. We could this could really this could really blossom into like a multi-year Yeah, but a multi-year I I I kind of see this having stages and and getting to a point where maybe we could be like what the Chesapeake Bay is
down the road, you know, with a really strong foundation, a lot of um community involvement, awareness, support. >> I like it. >> Yeah, we we can look it up. I I should have tapped into that, but I really didn't have a whole lot of extra time to
do all of that. >> Yeah. >> So, but >> No, this is a great start. This is really great. So, >> And my children live here. >> Okay. >> Both son and daughter. >> Yeah. >> And um our son
sort of majored in water. >> Yeah, did he? Did he? Okay. >> I'm kidding. Um he works for the Navy. >> In surfing or >> [laughter] >> No, he's a sailor. >> Oh, wow. Oh my gosh, how awesome. Wow. >> He's retiring uh finally. He sailed in
college. >> Yeah. >> It was a college trust and it was always his first love. >> Yeah. >> And um so that now he'll be 65 and um in September he will retire from that, but
he and his wife are very very involved in this whole idea. >> Yeah. just beautiful. >> And my husband's family are 300 years on the Chesapeake as well. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Wow. So, >> Wow.
Oh my gosh. >> Um, very very interesting and very very dear to our hearts. >> Yes. Oh my gosh, that's wonderful. Wow. Wow. >> I should stop boring you. >> No, you don't bore me at all. Oh my
goodness. No. Um >> And we do want to open up the the public portion. >> Yeah, do you want to regroup maybe and like share out what our initial thoughts are for 5 minutes and then work so and then add >> Yeah, but however if you want to I mean
Let's do the public portion first and then we'll go into what you guys came up with second. We're trying to go with the flow and >> I agree. Yeah. Well, David, do you think that we have to call time now and come back to it or do you give us 5 more minutes? >> Um I mean
maybe like quarter after. I'm sorry, quarter of. Um, you can wrap this up and then we can do the public portion and then after that you can just I guess how much time you have you need. >> Thank you. >> This is so cute. I need to get one of these. I have two little nieces.
Actually, and a nephew now, too. >> and I brought the picture. >> Really? Oh, thank you. I would love to have it for when they visit. Oh my gosh. >> Maybe Chuck had that picture. >> [laughter] >> So, the proper way if I see one of these guys is to pick them up like from the
front like this on this hard part of the shell. And they won't like come out and >> Well, they may try to walk a little bit. They may wiggle their little legs. >> But they're not looking to like try to >> not. But unfortunately, people just take them out of the water and
and if they pull it off, man, oh. Yeah, it's um It is just such an important part of our everyday lives here right now. Yeah. >> Right, it is. It is. >> It is.
And did you get one of the homemade pizza signs? >> I did, yes. From Ray, is this Rachel's recipe? >> No, this actually happens to be Justine. >> Oh, okay. >> And we should pass one to David. David, do you want to mention this in the minutes? >> go.
>> I I've given everybody a copy of all of them. I'll get them all out for you. >> All right. >> Okay. I will. I gave Justine a bunch of them today just even because of water conservation.
Um but I'll be happy to do that. Okay. >> It's like we have to use your baby. Right? Here we go. Oh, I thought it. Let's get our mics on again. Thank you. Thank you.
Terrific. Okay. We'll talk. Oh. Sorry, folks, but we need to wrap up just a tiny bit right now. >> Is it severe? >> Mics on.
Folks, are we ready to transition? Yes, we are. I'm sorry, folks, but we are going on to the next phase. Thank you, John. Okay. So, um we will have time again next time to meet
and um continue on with getting our ideas together and groups talking to each other. Thank you so much for the work today. Um I'd like to say that uh we have a guest in the audience and we'd like to have
you at least talk to us about who you are and if we can answer any questions for you. Would you like to come to a mic, please? Good. >> And there's this little button in front of bottom of the screen. There we go.
Perfect. Hit the red and green. Perfect. >> Hello. Okay. Um >> [laughter] >> My voice is loud enough. I definitely didn't need this, but um I want to start by saying I'm not a resident of Cape May, just to be clear. So, you are not uh
commissioners representing me or anything, so don't feel any pressure. Um I just come here and vacation here often enough and live in Philly in Fishtown. >> I'm just going to get your name. I'm so sorry. >> It's Ashley, A S H L E I.
Last name is Tracy, T R A C Y. Um but I Both my degrees are I have degrees in biology and in environmental policy and I do some work in this space in policy and advocacy in the environmental space but mostly from uh transportation and
land use and all those things. And so I was here on vacation and was just like I'm going to go to the environmental commission meeting and see what's going on in Cape May County um because I am rooting for Cape May's success in all ways um and so thank you for having me. Um
I work for Tri-State Transportation Campaign in my spare time served on my RCO as president for a while um but yeah, I am not a resident so no address to give you. >> [laughter] >> Thanks for having me.
>> We really appreciate your interest and we belong to a a larger umbrella. We are part of a state organization called ANJEC. It's the Association of Environmental Commissions throughout the state of New
Jersey and probably 400 other towns are doing the similar work that we are. Um and we have training sessions online and there's a publication online that we
can read as a resource and scholarships are given through that organization. Grants are made through that organization that we can tap into as well. And certainly New Jersey Audubon is a
great parent to us too. So we appreciate your interest and anytime you're in town if you want to join a group, let us know, okay? >> Will do, yeah. >> Thank you. >> My husband would be upset I'm not supposed to join anything else but >> [laughter] >> I'll let you know.
>> Thank you. >> Oh um you know, usually it's a week um but we're here until Wednesday. >> Okay. >> Um we're actually in Stone Harbor. Um >> [laughter] >> I prefer it here.
>> [gasps] >> Um yeah, I'll be here until Wednesday. >> Did you have any prior knowledge of any of the ordinances or initiatives? >> Um some. Like I I know about the your water conservation and the drought,
obviously that yeah, that New Jersey and most of the northeast is in and that the drought level just got raised in Cape May County. Um just a little bit, yeah. >> Okay. One of our issues is um
having a successful educational campaign with the public regarding the water conservation efforts or the um you know invasive and and native plant ordinances, so just curious if you had >> I mean, I think
um that's I mean, I advocacy, so same. Um I think I know where to look though, right? So, I was in the municipal website and looking [clears throat] up all the things and I was on the
municipal calendar and that's where I saw that the commission's meeting was here. Um this is a very similar problem that we have, especially in my my uh RCO, my neighborhood association. Very similar. How do you get people to
like know where to look? Especially when you're presumably all volunteers, no one's getting paid. Mhm, classic. So, um yeah, I know where to look is the main thing, I think. But I think you're doing a good job and I'm really excited to hear about the
horseshoe crab thing, actually. Cuz I I was before I switched to advocacy, I worked in pharmaceuticals as a microbiologist and you use horseshoe crab blood to determine if there's endotoxins, so yes, very important.
>> Thank you so much for being here. Bring your friends next time. >> Oh, I will. I'll bring my husband next time. Shopping, I think. >> [laughter] >> Spending my money. >> Thank you. All right, would any of the groups like
to do give us a little summary of today's discussions that you or just we'll work on it next time, too. Somebody asked me for some more background material, so I'll go through
those boxes and be happy to dig out. >> Well, I'll just share briefly. We know that there are certain ordinances that exist that relate to use of native plants, invasive species,
uh trees in our town. We really need to kind of get them all, review them, and it might mean tweaking them, not necessarily starting from scratch, but um revising what's already there, really looking
harder at the part that talks about enforcement. >> Mhm. >> Uh then some action items to actually sit down with um planning and zoning that review plans and approve things, so making sure that
we understand um once something gets approved, that that we're communicating and expressing what we need to um in the right way. Then speaking with code enforcement, hopefully expanding code code
enforcement's capabilities. Um and then making recommendations to the city about the city setting good examples. So, in their own open spaces and gardens, um
the use of native plants, certain practices by public works, um working on an education campaign. Uh we we know that there's an issue in town with second homeowners
and realizing that probably a good pers- portion of people's homes here, they want easy, quick maintenance. So, they to them it might mean, "Let's just put in a lawn and a sprinkles sprinkler
system and some hydrangeas and then have a landscaper show up, cut the lawn." They don't want to deal with some things that may take a little bit more effort. So, kind of looking on how do we address that issue and how do we educate people
with some alternative choices. Um and then yeah, that's it. Just we I think that was it. >> Thank you very much. >> But we know there's more work to do. >> Anybody else?
Or have we had a good day? >> I'll just recap horseshoe. I'll recap the horseshoe. Um so, I think when we looked at all of the possibilities we had here, this could potentially be multi-phase. I think certainly in the short term, there's a lot of information. I think I
think it's as much about education and awareness as about anything else as it relates to this ordinance. Um there's so much information out there. Uh and even locally through um Stone Harbor's Wetlands Institute, certainly the Chesapeake Bay area has a strong um
program for uh horseshoe crabs. So, just learning from them, but perhaps in the short term, maybe we can publish something, uh a small article in one of our local papers, um and then really gear [clears throat] up for next year knowing that May and June are probably the most important months for horseshoe
crabs in our area as far as protection. You know, we can sort of build to something in early 2027 to support May and June in next year. So, >> Can I just add something to that because I want to be on multiple committees, but
um I mean, the horseshoe crabs, that's what the Nature Center does. I mean, every spring thousands of school children come and we teach the horseshoe crab lab. That's the program. They do two programs, horseshoe
crab lab and aquatic food chain. So, I mean, maybe there's a way and we do harbor safaris twice a week where the horseshoe crabs are part of the lesson. Maybe there's something if we're really trying to get local citizens to know, maybe there's a grant out there that
like you show your address and you get to do a harbor safari for free. Um or we have some at the Nature Center, they have some public days that adults could homeowners could come and
take those classes, the same class we teach third graders. Honestly, that's what we're talking about. Um cuz it's not just only learning about the natural history and the uses of horseshoe crabs and all that, but then we always kind of end up how can you
take action? How how can you help? So, it's right here. It's in our town and we're doing it. We're doing that those programs, but to tell you the truth, the we get more schools from outside of Cape May County than we do Cape May County.
>> Really? >> Yeah, we get uh what is it? It's like 23 classes from Egg Harbor Township. Um they're they're coming to us and so that's Atlantic County, that's all good, but um
and we get local schools as well, but it's maybe what we're talking about for taking action is adults, too. So. >> Agreed. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Do you want to see >> Do you want me to get please,
>> Justin. >> The summary of our discussion would be that we went through the um recommendations that the climate school had given us, kind of what I had listed in the email that I sent out, um
and talked about who could be point person for each of those different categories. Um I will send out another email again with some of the updates. Um we also talked about uh code enforcement and perhaps making
a uh collaborative request to the city manager and council to for expanding it. Um we should probably also confer with code enforcement himself and see what
his needs are. Um but it's through the discussion, it seems like we are not the only body that is struggling with the enforcement of our ordinances. So, um I think that there would be
agreement across the board. Um the other topic that was new uh related to a banner, the climate school did recommend a banner relating to water conservation, um but had done
so in relation to uh community workshops and town halls. Um but Barbara suggested that maybe we just have one about water conservation in general. Um and then Randy suggested, "Well, why don't we even incorporate drought status?"
Um and so use the current state of the drought as kind of a justification for putting the banner up, and then underneath of it say something about, you know, saving water. John also educated us on the fact that
the city is currently undergoing uh an adoption of a signage standard, a guideline standard for city um plaques, signs, uh for all all the
different purposes. So, I don't know how that would impact hanging something this summer. Um, we'll have to follow up, but that is kind of where we got today. >> Thank you so much. >> We need to uh
the police light that on Lockefield Street by the school. They always have a thing about upcoming events. And you can talk to the police department about putting up uh things. You know. >> Yeah. >> Please help us save water when there's a drought.
They'll do that if we um we have that in the past. Just have to talk to the police department >> Great idea. Thank you. Well, anything else for the good of the group?
Motion to adjourn? >> I make a motion. >> Second. >> Thank you, Barbara. >> Second. And we will see you all next time and we'll continue with our work. And thank you very much.
>> Thank you. >> Mhm.