We are going to call this meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. This is a reorganization meeting of the Environmental Commission of the Bureau of Fair Haven. In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, public meetings may be held in person or by means of
communication equipment to include streaming services and other offline meeting platforms. This meeting is being held in person and through Zoom meeting platform being broadcast on the Burough Hall 748 River Road Fair, New Jersey. Public participation for this meeting on
January 14th, 2026 is available by calling phone or through Zoom. Members of the public will be on mute until it is time for questions comments which will be announced. At that time, the public has the opportunity to question comment by phone or through Zoom by the raising hand button and will be called
on at the appropriate time. Public notice was advertised in the Asbury Park Press on December 29th, 2025, posted on the burough website, constant contact, and the bulletin board in the municipal building as required under statute. With adequate notice having been given, the
environmental commission secretary is directed to include this statement in the minutes of the meeting. Please rise for the pledge. 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. >> Roll call. Anna Anthony >> William Dorner >> present. >> Kelly Flanigan present. >> Steve Jsi >> present. >> Susan Glovis >> present.
>> Jesse Murray absent. John Palenetti absent. Gary Patterson. >> Hi. Yeah, I'm present on the Zoom. >> John Peters >> here. >> Councilwoman Dina.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mali. >> Yeah. >> Also, President Burough Secretary Larson, you have a quorum. I am now going to open the floor for nominations for EC chairperson. >> Like to nominate Kevin Figan.
>> Second. Any other nominations? Congratulations, Kelly. Thank you all. Thank you. >> Would you like to hold the nomination for >> um yes, I'd like hold a nomination for vice chairperson. Any nominations?
>> I'll nominate Jesse Murray. >> Any second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Okay. Um, vice chairperson is Jesse Murray. Congrats, Jesse.
Okay. Um, so we'll continue on with our approval of the December 10th, 2025 meeting minutes. Did everyone have a chance to review those minutes? >> Um, why don't you explain that? >> Uh, Bill gave me a comment of the
attendance of Councilman Bob Rivera, so that will be corrected. >> Okay. >> Yes. and I can't focus on that meeting. >> Okay. Um there is one date change just a possibility. The love of the day was put that it was um April 30th. It's actually
Sunday, April 26th. >> Okay. So, just to make a mention motion to approve motion. Um yes. All in favor? >> I um great. >> Moving on to current business. Um, I do
know that we have quite a bit some people that are not uh presently here, but we wanted to talk about our 2026 EC priorities and our goals for this year. Um, last year we accomplished two great things. We have
this environmental resource inventory which everybody on the commission um should have received a copy of. This has been phenomenal work by Anna, Jesse, and Susan um and a lot of community members and and other members from the different commissioners and communities that
contributed to this. It uh was a long time coming and it looks fantastic. So, thank you for all the work you you ladies um and the whole team did. Um so, that was a huge effort. We also did accomplish our sustainable Jersey
application last year which took a lot of time and energy from from the people up here and and the people in the audience um which was a huge um group effort as well. So now with those things off our plate, what what should be our goals and priorities for the
environmental commission for this year? Um I'd love to hear from each and every one of you if you have thoughts that you want to um contribute to this meeting or if there is a um if you wanted to send in some ideas to Christie she can
compile them for that we can have more thorough discussion in February when we have more members present. Um, I have some thoughts as well, but but I I would like to just hear from everybody on >> the thought I have and we've discussed this in the past is the Christmas trees
on the shorelines and if we move on that since it's already in January, get something in the next 10 months. >> Okay. for that >> I did but as I said there was a reason that >> I think there's revised thinking since I
reach island and I can't remember what she said I think she >> there there's pros and cons to the issue that sometimes it does it might be explored >> definitely I agree that could um definitely be something explored um okay so make we'll make that anything
else that people want to with um priorities. I me it's these are these are far overarching. It's education and this goes a long way but it's also communication because if we're talking
to ourselves in a closed room we're not serving the community. So with the burrow and with the business community and with the homeowners, >> right? Um, and a lot of things can fall under those umbrellas. I agree.
>> Can I just am I allowed to say something? Yes. Um, I I'm also the the leazison for the communications committee with the burrow. So, I'd love I'm hoping to now that I'm um the leazison for Shadri Natural Area. I think that I can help hopefully with some of that communication
with the burrow to the community to the business district. So, I can help with that. And I apologize. Um, Councilwoman Delli and Councilwoman Mlei. Um, I should have had you introduce yourselves. Um, we are thrilled to have council representatives here um, joining
us at our environmental commission meeting. Um, we're thrilled to have you on board. So, um, >> Christie, I'm hold. Do we swear in yet? >> We can do that whenever. >> It's okay. We haven't sworn in with the who who's new. >> We have news, right? Yes. >> I think I have to be renewed. I'm just
sorry to process. Yeah. >> Do we do that in Gary? Do we do that? Um, we can do it after the meeting. >> Okay. As long as everybody's okay with that part. All right. >> It means your votes are legitimate. >> Oh, yeah. I know. That's all I'm asking. Yeah. I don't want to have you. That's all I saying now.
>> Also, before we get into it, can we have an intro? >> Yeah, we should. >> We should. I apologize for that. Get right into it. Um, so do you want to start and we'll work our way around? >> So, I'm Michael Delli. Um, I started my volunteering with Chair Haven through
the green team and the environmental commission. So, I feel like I'm kind of home being back here. Steve, I was sitting in that seat when I was there. So, it's a good seat. Um, but no, I'm really happy to be here. Uh, this is my my third year um in my first term, so I feel like I I want to do a lot with you
guys. I really want to support you. I am the chair for uh communication as well. So, I think I can help out a lot. >> Great. Happy to be here. and Shadrian natural >> and Shadrian natural area and Marter no you're Marter Pond I think or Marter Pond so between the two of us we kind of cover all the natural
>> oh anything environmental natural yeah >> I'm Christina Mali this is my first term and first time as a council woman uh I've been on the historic association of fair haven the last three years I grew up in Fair Haven now I'm back here
raising my family a little bit about me I'm really excited to be on this commission and to help you guys in any way I can. >> Very cool. Thank you. >> Uh Steve Jsi, fair resident since 2008. Um not exactly quite sure what direction
you're going in my introduction here, but uh just uh two two boys, family, uh wife and fairhead all pretty well involved in a lot of um of the events and the projects that we have going on in town, but never really
quite involved in leadership of those. uh some genuine curiosity and and um interest in helping uh maybe some parents in town that have older kids either college or graduated from who maybe don't have the awareness or the
communication of what exactly is going on in town with some of the projects and just have a real positive sort of thought on trying to help bridge some of that and um you know offer my time and services. I will admit I just being here
I have a lot to learn um about everything as well. So I won't pretend to know everything but uh I'm just happy to be here. >> Welcome Susan Globus. This is second term >> starting our third >> our third
>> third year. I'm so bad with things. But anyway, I'm really excited to work on this um committee because we're doing things and I love that. So, this is evidence of that and I think we have a
lot more to do and the opportunities are tremendous. My background is mostly with the built environment and its effect on the environment. So, I have a lot to learn but um I'm here to serve. >> Great. Thank you. Um, so my name is
Kelly Flanigan. I, um, started volunteering in the green team, uh, for our first sustainable Jersey application in 2018. Um, and then I became a member of the environmental commission shortly thereafter. I've lived in Fair Haven
since 2017. I've got kids in the school system. Um, I love where I live and therefore I am happy to support and work and volunteer um for the upkeep of our of our natural area, this location that we
have to call home. Um, I do have an environmental science background, but mostly in education. So, I'm very passionate about working with students and kids and even adults and um, you know, just education in all informal, you know, um, as much as we can. So, I
think this is it's great. We have a great team up here. I'm very excited for the people that that I'm surrounded by and the people on council and the people in the green team and other commissions that we work closely with. Their passion is um evident and contagious and uh
there's a lot of great stuff to be um that that's coming this way. So, I'm honored to be up here and um and to work with each and every one of you. So, >> hi, John Peters. I'm a former council president of the bureau of fair haven for 15 years I was on the council um
been on the environmental commission first on your side of the table now I'm over here and um so I'm happy to be participating in this and you know keep moving the town forward in terms of developing you know sustainable outcomes for ourselves I'm also your representative on the two river water reclamation authorities for the two
council people so yeah so anything that could be of service um obviously we're involved in major capital programs over there And again, it's key to keep our waters clean is to really have a good uh water, uh, you know, water operations here. And so, um, I'm I'm pleased to be
over there representing the burough, making sure that they take good care of our systems and equipment here in town. >> My name is, uh, Bill Ger. I'm a 40-year resident of Fair Haven. Uh, it's my third year on this committee commission, and, uh, I do what I can. Uh, I'm
learning more than I know. Let's put it that way. Yeah, I just like to every once in a while say something. >> Gary. >> Hi. Uh Gary Patterson. Um I've been a
resident uh since 2009. Uh two children in college who uh went through the school system and all the wreck uh programs and all that stuff. Um, I've been on the environmental commission
actually since I think 2016. So, um, but looking forward to, uh, you know, working with you guys and having a good year and welcome Steve.
Sorry I'm not there in person. So, I know Steve from a lot of sporting events and stuff like that. And then um I know we have some um people in the public that if you guys wouldn't mind just introducing yourselves to you because you're very
familiar faces and we we are thrilled to have you here. >> Thursday. >> Come on every meeting of every organization. >> I think she should get a medal for that. >> I've been to four meetings for that.
>> Crazy. Well, we thank you for your service. Um, uh, Robin and Neil, I am, oh, I don't know, but involved in a lot of things at Fair Haven, like a lot of, you know, um, Garden Club of Fair Haven, Friends of
Fair Haven Public Library, the Nink River Municipalities Committee, um, the Green Team, um, I don't know, I'm probably forgetting others, but I take water samples every, uh, Wednesday morning for the NA for
clean ocean action for the Nav St. River. Um I've been involved with um you know the historic I'm on the historic association board. Um I'm a yes person.
>> Um and uh there isn't anything other than fair um through the community building of Fair Haven. among the Fair Haven um I forget Fair Haven Natural um >> natural fairs
national the uh you know third street trail you know cleanup committee um >> you know we plant um I support uh street blue with Anna Anton and plant you know we kind of plant uh native plant gardens
wherever we can Bonnie and I haven't stopped planting native plant um municipal gardens wherever we can. >> Um >> I don't know what it's on, you know, we're involved. >> Um just real quick,
I'm on the shi commission. So I'm really happy to work with the EC um because we'd like to do educational programs, too. So we just planned one for March 12th um proper tree pruning um and we have
um put it at noon uh on that date so that our DPW can attend it at their lunchtime um which was important for them. Um we're going to give them CEUS the continuing education um which I think is an important thing if we're trying to do an educational program to
give them the required um containment education uh credit. So, um, and I'm on Thirst Street Trail with Mark Olsen, and we just scheduled a clean up for Sunday, February 15th. So, put that
on your calendar, too. Um, work out in the woods. Um, we're going to combine it. Valentine's Day is the day before, so you can hug your Valentine the day before and then next day you can hug a tree. How about that coming up? Um, and
>> we work with the Eagle Scouts. with the garden club at Fair Haven, we worked with the Girl Scouts uh in doing uh environmental programs and we also with Kelly and um Bonnie and I have um established the green team of the
Nullwood School and we are inside Sickles where we work with you know closely with in the um Marilyn the principal Marilyn Schwarzman at um Sickles to do you know to doing outside
um classroom with um the children. >> I know we're forgetting other that's okay. They don't really need to know that, but we're right in there with you. So, >> great. Well, thank you guys. Um and so what we have a great puppyard. So, um I'm excited to see what
what comes with this year. Um so, moving back to 2026 EC priorities. Uh if you have any specific priorities that you guys would like to send to Christie, we can compile them and have more of a greater discussion. Um my thought just
coming from my own personal um as a member of this commission, I would really love to spend some time working on our town's water story. Um this is an action a priority action of sustainable Jersey. why not just start thinking about our next you know we have our
certification for three years but that comes up quickly but it ties into this erri very very closely um where our water comes from this the the waste water our drinking water storm water and that new ordinance that was passed
December 14th in our town with the storm water regulations working with DPW about that um I think that this could be a great goal physically that we can work towards, but it also ties in aspects of education, what homeowners and residents
and business owners can do on their property to reduce storm water. How can we protect the river, especially with the river um values that we've seen that have gone up um you know during the summertime months it is related to Marty Pond. There's just so many connections
and I wonder if that could be a focus as well. Um, so I was going to put the my suggestion would be that and then also align to what Susan said, some sort of resource guide or education for people in the burrow to um access
information from us, whether it be on native plants or whether it be on green infrastructure or from these education series if they can't attend. How do they find out that information? And I know we've always talked about updating our website or some kind of area where people can go to. So maybe creating this
where we can have the environmental resource inventory on there, but also just other resources and guides that we can um create and and put up there. So >> has there been any followup as far as deer management?
>> That's a good question. there. We I met with Chris this I think October or December and the deer management the original uh requirement which was the deer report
that Sher um conducted for our uh town was conducted. That was the first piece that needed to come before the D for the grant to and it basically stayed I think we all got copies of that, right? We all got the copy saying that
yes, we do have a problem. >> Um, which we we know. Um, but that was the first thing that was then sent to the D and I haven't followed up or or known what what um what's the next steps on that. >> The reimbursement for the grant we
>> that concludes all of our work that's eligible under the grant to be reimbursed. >> Okay. >> Um because there's no further work under that grant that can be done. >> Okay. >> Besides just the forest health survey. now is up to council what steps they want to take with that information.
>> I know that that is on the list of a bunch of the council members and former council members. So I think that is a good one to probably >> sure >> readress. Um Kelly on the water story. I believe that Nick Pinsky has as I think he's our storm water >> Yeah.
>> he's already put together some of this. So have you spoken to him? >> Yeah, I've I I've been in touch with him and and Rich. Rich is in charge of the storm water. >> Okay. Rich. Yeah. >> Um going to so I know this is when we talk about education series later on our
agenda but we have locked in Chrisa from uh Ruckers who's the storm water team and expert in in the state. um he is going to be coming and speaking to the to the public and also DPW and
our engineer you know um as a requirement of the new storm water ordinance we need to have education as a component and so this will be a joint uh presentation that we are putting on we're inviting them to come on Wednesday
February 4th I believe it's a 6:30 start it's either 6:00 or 6:30 Um and he will be at the new community center and he will do a presentation on green infrastructure stor with storm water. how can uh homeowners and business
owners and you know work to slow the flow and and what they can do on their own property which I think is also very important for we you know we discussed this last last meeting too with the planning board and zoning too right something other than just a drywall
which is >> well again I think you should really be looking at it you know when you're making a large concrete structure that's going to involve a lot of carbon and then the second stage you're going to move a large concrete structure That's going to take a lot of diesel and that's going to >> and you're putting it in the ground. >> And you're putting in the ground and
again I think there's a lot of ways to manage our storm water given our block coverage here, >> right? >> You know, um yeah, I'm going to start working on a dirty uh curb initiative, >> which is like everybody cleans up their curb and makes it look perfect, but all those little weeds along the way on the curb probably are helpful
>> in slowing flow and catching stuff, right? But everybody has this high maintenance, you know, chem lawn look that they want to maintain because they like the look of it. But if you really want to be responsible, you want to lawn discharge is great. >> Yeah. >> Um, you know, and and obviously
recharging our groundwater is also important. So >> definitely. And I think so that's that's a February, you know, just uh February 4th, which is great. And um I'm glad we were able to lock that in. And then March will be the tree pruning and and
talking about trees because that plays a huge part in catching our storm water, the value of trees um on land. And then, you know, we can we can work towards other things, but just wanted to give you guys that heads up. Um >> but again, it's all connected to the water story, right? And warm water. And
so just trying to see what are these themes are. um because we know with the with our um issues with our river health that we've had, those alarming numbers we've had in the summertime, but also these more frequent storms and more frequent flash flooding that we have. Um
if we all are aware or educated on how to try to prevent that or what we can do to try to mitigate that, that would be, you know, great for our town >> on those hit areas. I mean, this is one thing we all have to be vigilant on. I mean, um, I don't want to cast bad
language about our neighbors, but the town's on either side of us, Red Bank and Robson. So, if something goes bad at the Burough Faith, then we call up the council women have the joy of calling up the sewer authority and say, "What the heck's going wrong?" and get out here and fix it because we're members of the sewer authority. And the six towns that
are members, the infrastructure is maintained by the sewer authority. And I I think not not that I'm trying to blow our own horn, but I think we do spend our we put our money back into the system. And so I think our system is in pretty good shape. The Fair Haven, Little Silver, Shrewsbury, uh, Mammoth
Beach, West Longrace, they're all part of the Oceanport are all part of the authority. Redbank and Rumson have had some challenges. I'll be honest with you, in terms of their networks are a little older. They're maintained by the towns. Red Bank has a sewer and water
authority. Uh, and Rumson has their own sewer authority. and I've not been as happy with the way that they maintain their networks and they've had some problems where they've had discharges into the river and into the region. And so, um, it's something that we got to be vigilant about, but we have to realize
on either side of us, we have to watch our neighbors and be friendly helpers. Let's just leave it that way. >> Well, just also just as an FYI, this everyone is going to be invited, all the neighborhood towns, the different ECs. So, we are extending this invitation. We're hoping that this is starting to
continue the momentum that we have of where it's we're all on the peninsula. >> Say one more thing about your sewers. >> I watch the flow at the sewer authority and when we have a big rain event, there's a lot of water goes into the sewer system. >> Well, people have sump pumps in their
basement. That's illegal. Illegal is one of those things like, you know, it's like driving too fast. I think everybody, you know, they have to catch it. But also infiltration when we get high tide also when it infiltrates if the the if the the actual pipes are cracked and old they seep a bunch. But yeah I mean one of the things we'd like
to look at is to try to manage how much water seeps in. Now I got to remind everybody Perth Amboy dumps raw sewage into the bay every time it rains because they we've all combined sewers where the storm water and the sewer uh sto sanitary sewer together. So whenever it rains they just overflow into the river.
So, I'm I'm very vigilant for us because I want the river to be a good place, but on the other hand, we have to realize we're in a region where there's still a lot of work to do. We we want to tighten up, but you know, we're still I'm pretty pleased that we're in a good place right now.
>> Kelly, just um and maybe this exists and I'm not aware of it, but it seems to me we could benefit by a calendar for all these events. They're all related. Maybe they're sponsored by different groups, but anyone who has environmental
interests could go to it. And does that live anywhere or is that part of something we could work on? That that's definitely something that we can work on. In fact, we were at the green team meeting earlier and we were like these things. It literally just happened yesterday and today. We just signed Bill
Brash just had his confirmed today. I've been still going back and forth with the Ruckers people. So, um, this is Yeah. And the idea we're hoping is that um we have three events on here that we hand out a series, right? So it's a flyer
like these are the our education series that are put on by fair haven groups whether it's the environmental commission, the shade tree, the green team, etc. Um come for all one as many you can. Here's how to RSVP. So, we're we're hoping that this is we're getting this information out hopefully next week
with these series and these dates so people can put them in the calendar. We don't have it would be great to have a website. Um I guess we can use on the burrow or maybe we can even have Betty put it right on our >> I actually what I was saying is I think the more pages the better. So have it on the front page, have it in the green
team, have it on shade tree, anyone any pages that might be relevant. I think the more >> and the event. Yeah, definitely the community events on the calendar, >> but maybe there could be an image of like the flyer up on the homepage, too. Y >> um the the town has been so receptive. I
I sent the Rumson EC to Betty. I asked them to send it out and immediately it was a Nixole. It was put on the Facebook. So, I think they would be more than willing to spread this out. And again, like we're trying to build these partnerships with other commun, you know, towns because
just because our borders and our boundaries of our town is here doesn't mean our storm water and or the tier all those same boundaries. And so therefore, the more communal grouping, you know, efforts that we have together, the better. And we know with the sports swap, it it works so much easier that
way when you have people. Um, so we're hoping to share that with Redbank, Brum, Little Silver, Shrewberry, the whole peninsula. >> Do we have a communications person? What's the channel structure? Is it you? Do you want to sign it? How does it work? Is it consistent
>> communications? >> Well, when we have events or everybody has events, do people know where to go to look for them and how's that get done? We were just saying, "Oh, we could put it here. We could put it there." Do we do that? Right. And usually I sent it through
like Christy like I said you know and Chrissy then will work with Betty an on that. >> Um >> we are just on that point we are working on a communications a better communications plan at the burrow on this burough side with the council and
everything. So those are things that I'm aware of too that we want to be more consistent about. Um, I think we have been doing a much better job and there's more communication between the committees, but I do think there could be like more of a point person on each and >> I mean you guys have Christie so you're
kind of lucky she >> you're very lucky. Yes. >> Um, the sewer authority will come out and do a presentation on wastewater management. >> Oh, >> and so we usually have the engineers out. They actually come to my class on environmental issues and society. So they've come a number of times. It's
great. It's a good it's a good overview. You know why? because people are totally clueless, you know what I mean? They don't even want to think about it and they know have no idea of the technology and also why it's so important to keep, you know, be vigilant. It's one of those things, >> right? >> And and again, the only time you're going to hear about it is when something's messed up, right?
>> That is and the fact that it's silent most of the time, >> you know, is one of those things that that's saying we're being successful, but it it means people also don't know about it. >> Well, and what what's a an alarm, right? Like what to do if you do smell something or you see something, right? and who to call.
>> And just also how they manage it, you know, I mean, it's important to think about, you know, again, you can't there's nothing like going to see the sewer authority. Um, but how they deal with the solids, how they deal with the waste water, how, you know, how do they how do they clean the water? >> Um, the water story. >> Yeah, it's important. It is part of the
water story and the water story asks for like a map of all and it's where I I you map of all water and fair even right the ponds the streams or river the community access to water the drinking water the waste water the runoff point and non-point sources where are trouble areas
>> drinking water may be a little tough because that's New Jersey American water but I should be able to get the layout of the sewer >> okay next piece of the storm water >> and the storm water drains right and so um I think there's a lot of information that can go into that water story and I think that would be a huge resource to
have. I know planning board would also like it as their master plan that they're not. >> Do they a charge for that? >> The presentation >> the presentation uh again the bureau of fair haven 19 I think it's 1964 pledged our full faith in capital and they will come at our bidding because they're
we're actually part owners of the authority. >> It's our authority. The six towns this is not to tell all bad stories but Rumson never joined. they pay per gallon and Red Bank had their own sewer authority in the 1960s. Uh the the rumor
is that Rumson didn't join because there was a rumor they were going to put this plant in Rumson and it's in Monmouth Beach on Raccoon Island. And so their solution was not to join the authority. But for the last 70 years, >> Fair Haven's been a member of the authority and we have two voter two
voting members on board um to help run the authority. So absolutely they'll come free. They also help us with things like, you know, clogged drains and stuff. The authority will help us out if they need. >> Hesitate to ask. >> That's one of the reasons I I'm obviously like, not to be a dead horse,
but flooding was a big issue for me. So, I think this will also help us really identify where the hot spots are, where our problem areas, and then come up with a better plan for solutions and a longer plan, not just like addressing each as they come up. as River Road floods, we don't because we've been shutting down
River Road now, which is a problem because it's completely flooded and you're not really >> It's funny. I was on a I was on a panel at the National Academy of Sciences on emergency response and I did some work on New York City about the flooding of the subway system in the yards >> and the other person on the panel was
from Vermont and she was doing a presentation on peak events. So they have roads up there and they'll have like an eight foot pipe, you know, a culvert under the road >> and there it was been good for years and suddenly now they're getting these events. They're short duration with a lot of volume. Yeah. >> And so now they're really trying to
rethink how they're going to manage it because it both knocks out, you know, they only have a few roads across Vermont >> and so if they lose one the main carers, it's a real challenge and it's just the volume. >> That's the point. We're at a different point now. >> Different volume.
>> It's we have to have a plan. In our case, the lucky news on the storm water is goes right to the river. You know, it doesn't build as much. You're about New Jersey, you got some real challenges, but around here at least we exhaust, you know, it doesn't have a chance to build up as much. Mhm. >> Does the
the the the excuse me does like the new construction a lot of the bigger houses going up does that >> I'm just curious like because there there have been like >> that's why >> right where neighbors or you know some mudslides just just practical question
like on mass has that affected us over >> a period of time >> it's my understanding that they're now requiring some topographical mapping beyond the borders because I actually have a new house going up next to exactly that problem. The owner uh it's a spec house and the owner decided to regrade the yard to move all the water
to the front so they only have to put in one drive. >> So they cut the in my case along my property lines down about a foot and a half two feet. >> Yeah. >> So that of course there's an issue. >> Yeah. I mean mine mine 5t 5t above my yard when they did it like it wouldn't be passed now. There have been since
there have been a lot of changes coming down from the state with storm water ordinances. We as a burrow actually passed we went a little beyond what was required by the state and we made some of the recently actually like maybe the last month changed some of the residential or or smaller build
requirements that match some of the requirements from the state. So there are more requirements that we're asking people to have like we have a checklist now of all the things you need to look at. It's not necessarily requirements. A lot of it is recommendations, but we are kind of ahead of the curve a little bit
in terms of trying to address the residential side of it. >> But, >> but this is where education would also. >> Yes. >> The tree, right? That that a 100-year-old tree in your house is going to absorb a significant amount of that storm water rather than cutting that
down and planting three, you know, smaller trees. Um, and so understanding because that whole canopy and the value of those trees and that root system, >> you know, and different plants, your grass and your lawn isn't going to absorb as much rain water and storm
water as a garden with with with actual plants. >> I think people are very aware of it. I think their their personal interest on where they're living and what they're building outweighs their >> Yeah. >> knowledge about it. >> Yeah. and they play they they play
right. So >> well that's why we passed this ordinance at least to say you've seen it you know what we're we're what are the recommendations or what are the best practices. >> Yeah. and then it's kind of on them more than but it's not perfect and I think
there obviously these are the things that I think also could be looked at in terms of the EC like our stormwater regul management or our storm water ordinance could be good to for you guys to look at just to see if there's anything that you might add to that.
>> Yeah. So, um yeah. So, anyway, that that is going just going back. Um but if anybody had any different ideas or priorities that they wanted to share, I would like to see us um accomplish this year, you can send them out to Christy and then we can compile
that and and work through this a little bit more next meeting. >> Could could we just go back to the deer issue real quick? Just I apologize for my inexperience. uh >> the the study we did or did that got us money for a grant or we spent the money
on the study from the I I didn't get that. It was a grant that we received to pay for that forest health study, which is the first step you need before getting a plan through the D. for south like what are they state
county like where do they reside >> is in the state >> the D and so we had um >> Sherry's >> she's a tree expert >> our licensed tree expert in town and she conducted it very natural
>> so now that that is documented and then submitted to the state and then they can come up more now two years ago I think two years ago Now, we had the D come meet with us um with some of the environmental commission members. Went
out into the natural area and the bird sanctuary just briefly saw the amount of deer and they're like, "There's a no-brainer. You guys have a major deer problem." Um here was just what some of the other municipalities in the state do. Um and
talked about it. Then we invited them to come speak to the council about it as well. So they did and then the council was like, "Okay, we'll start with the first step which was at forest health study." So um it it definitely is an issue. People are aware of it. Many
council members um have it >> up to Gentry Drive. We could go over there now and if you want, >> right? Um but it it's a news that we've also had the chief gave us, you know, um details on car accidents, you know, deer
related, etc. Um you know, so that it it should still be considered and looked at. Um, >> I would just say for my long waiting around period, I am very frustrated with more studies. I like I prefer to put the resources into actually doing something
when we keep studying and keep studying. I think it's pretty obvious. The count was ridiculous. When the state came in here, the first thing they said was these these were born here, they live here, and they're going to die here. That's the first thing. The second thing is that we had enough count. There was two or three times what we could
sustainably have in the at least three times. >> At least I think they said like you probably have 100 deer um here living and residing in Fair Asian and they're like you should by have what happen. >> Um and again, you know, you're going to have to look at the solutions and I'm
I'm I'm just at this point in time I'm long gone on hunting. You need to have the hunts >> just to discipline it out and also keep the deers under control because they're all over. very second. >> Is there any cooperation like with the water issues with neighboring towns?
>> So, in regards to deer, so deer deer mess and and and poop has actually um could be a culprit in some of our high elevated levels that we've had in our river and and streams at the >> that we've had tested this this summer.
Um we had two hot spots right by Shrewsbury River Yacht Club on the outfall there and then also at the outfall. uh where Fourth Creek comes into Baton Road which was downgraded. Um and there were some hot spots near the Columbus behind the nights of Columbus in that stream there,
>> right? >> And it was most likely animal waste >> and >> Steve I don't know if this is what you're asking too but >> also with cooperation with just some of the studies and the cows. >> Well, they don't they said that they
don't want to do a hunt. That was kind of one of the sticking points that like if we did it >> that's super good. Our deal was to >> rumson. Yeah. So >> or it work the other way. >> Well that's the problem >> that
came out at the meeting said we do our thing but then we control ours but what about little silvers and rumsons and restaurants to your population? >> Yep. Sorry I didn't. >> They said no. >> Yeah. So that but that has been kind of a little bit that was where I got a little bit stuck like yeah we we clear
out and then they're like hey let's go party in the there's no deer and they come back but >> so it is a as in all environmental issues it's very multifaceted and um you need to think of some solutions
>> and you need to put protection around your brand new trees. >> Yes. >> Yes. That's a good point. The buck will rub everything. >> I witnessed it. >> In your yard. >> Uh, yeah. Like I said, they're probably
33 gentry. We could go over now a little field trip if you want. >> They're not scared either. >> Yeah, we have a whole back here. >> Yeah. So, that is a Let's hope, you know, we can definitely keep that on our priority as as coming back to it as well. Um,
moving on to skip the stuff and the construction desk ordinance. And at our December meeting, we talked about this and we were all in favor of pursuing this and sending a memo to the town. Just to give you an update, I did speak to um Chris York, our B administrator. I
asked him what the best uh next steps would be. Um, I offered to reach out to Brian Thompson who has kind of been leading this. Um he's the head of the EC in Mammoth Beach and he um has been leading this for the past two years to
come speak to our council. Um we asked the mayor, he um we're still waiting his response to have uh him speak to the board the whole council members and at the meeting in March. However, um good news is Skip the Stuff was just signed
off by the governor uh Murphy this past week. I am going to send a copy of the bill to Chris York to find out what's the next step for fair even if this has already been passed by state of New Jersey. Um how does that then become
ordinance in our town and followed through when you know what the timeline is? That's just one part. That's a skip. >> Kelly, can I say something to that? So I I asked around a little bit knowing that that happened. I also work in the city of Long Branch, so I they already passed this. um they did add it on to an
existing plastic bag ban. >> So what would happen is we would kind of do it in solidarity of the bill, but the advant the reason why we still might pass it is for the enforcement aspect of it because they're not telling you how to enforce it.
>> So if we still passed it, which might be beneficial if we could add it on to the ban, the plastic bag ban, then at least it would um address the enforcement part of it. >> Okay, good to know. So, >> right. So, currently Fair Haven has a single-use plastic bag ban, right? It's
an ordinance we've had um from 2019, >> I believe. >> Um we can have this as an amendment, you know, add-on to this ordinance of skip asta. what skip the stuff is to if you're not aware or Christina um it is you know when you go to get takeout from
a uh restaurant and you bring it home to use your own silverware and you look in the bag and you have five packages of plastic utensils and what do you do with them now? Um you have a drawer in your kitchen probably filled with these that you probably never use. Um it's not
necessary because most people don't use them. Um, and it also is costly to the restaurant establishment. So, this is a great ordinance to saying that restaurants can have them, but they're only required to give them if the customer requests that.
>> Um, and so therefore, it's a win-win, right? It's I don't have to bring these back every time I order from Lubo and they look at me crazy. Um, and the restaurant doesn't have to pay for that anymore. And so we would love to get this as um as an ordinance so that they
were not required. And this is for single use um utensils, but also the mustard and ketchup packets and everything else that a lot of times people don't need because they have those condiments at home where they're eating that. Um so our thought was we can just add this onto our single-use
plastic bag ban. Um and maybe that will get passed easier, right? And and enforced. The other part was the construction dust ordinance. Now with a lot of this new construction when people are cutting AAC and trim, right, the
plastic trim, they're they're doing it in the street or sidewalk or outside the home and it's plastic particles. It's plastic dust that's just blown in the wind or out in the sidewalk. And it's not sawdust. It's not something that's going to biodegrade. These are microplastics that get into our
environment, into our waterways, breathing in as well, too. And so how can we be um that the onus is on that contractor, that homeowner to tent it or tarp it so that they clean up that waste
after. Um and so this has also been gaining a lot of traction in New Jersey towns. Uh 22 municipalities have already passed this. I we all agreed that it would be um that we support it as well too. many of the town Mammoth Beach around I mean there's a bunch around us
who have passed it and I know Long Branch did I think Red Bank did yeah >> so it's >> and so >> and builders everybody's pretty receptive to it or offering solutions >> you know I don't know that there's a lot of uh
>> you know and I and I know enforcement's going to become an issue I think some of this >> you know some people say why pass something if there you can't enforce it but some of this is also education too the education side of it realizing this is even a problem. So even if it takes a couple off the street and you know if a
neighbor calls then they would have to address it. So it's not even just >> right because it's you you pack up your stuff the other day but you have all this white snow on your side you know and your neighbor's yard. Well that's a that's a mess. It's like plastic you know candy wrappers right? It's it will
never go away and whose job is it to clean that up? It's not sawdust anymore right? That's something that okay it will biodegrade. So this is just microphone. >> And the solution is there's like a tent basically they can either take it inside do the work inside or there's like a cheap tent you can get from like Amazon
or something >> or you can put it on your saw like it collects it. >> There's also vacuum. So there's a builder in Little Silver who's working around our neighbor very proactive on that and we we actually complimented her on it. So that's great >> because it's not flying everywhere. It's
it's either stone tile plastics. Yes. >> Right. Um for the back porch. So, um I I was just mentioning the builders because it seems like some of them are being proactive or wanting >> would love to hear like, oh wow, you know, maybe maybe they're good advocates
to have on side of it. >> And it could be an educational piece like have maybe a builder come and talk >> and say what he used that has been successful and is it really that big, you know, like maybe it's not as much of an effort as people make it, >> right? >> He might be good at like love where you live just >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. That might be good to know, right? >> Yes. Your builder friend if you would share with me. >> Um, so right, Love Where You Live Day is a um fair educational fair uh that we put on
the green team and the EC put on um to celebrate every thing that we love about where we live. >> Is it on our calendar? >> It is on our calendar. It's April 26th. >> Okay. >> 1 to 4. This year it will be at the community center.
>> But that was in the minutes for it though. Was that listed? >> Yes. >> It just said the women. >> And so these two women are are the chairs, Robin and Bonnie for the multiple years in a row. Um it's always a fun event. We have a lot of community
members there. And it's also a place to come and learn about that. So that would be a great thing to highlight especially if we're trying to get awareness of possible new ordinances and you know what the issues is and what the solutions are and
>> and it's not that bad. So great. So that we will um so Michael and and Christina, let's be in touch to if if we could um figure out how to make Skip the Stuff, you know, if
we add that onto the single use plastic >> existing ordinance if if um >> you can bring that up to the mayor as well and to the other council members. And then what might be the best way to um bring up the issue of the con the
construction desk ordinance knowing that the environmental commission is supporting this? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Can I just add to that since our wonderful new DBW building um can we just get out like collectively how many
things there are in town places where you can recycle? I mean, we're really taking it on. Fair paving. You can do a little >> Do you feel like we're not people aren't aware? >> I don't think people are again communicating. I don't think people
>> Well, the the clothing helps >> Helpsy the clothing u recycling >> the electronics is and okay two new ones. >> Yeah. >> Um >> did you know we have So, it's clothing electronics and we did the um the lights
the Christmas lights. You can drop off Christmas lights, broken Christmas lights. >> Um, but that the clothing is more It's also linens, stuffed animals, luggage. >> Oh, really? >> Nine yards. >> Yeah, I didn't even know that. >> There multiple locations. You said you could go to
>> just at the DPW. >> Just the DPW. >> DPW. And we get money in return. Can they pay us per pound that they collect? >> I think the help should be like a highlight for Betty and say, "Did you know the GPW?" That's what I'm thinking.
>> Yeah. And list every single thing they teach. >> Sure. >> I think that's awesome. >> And then there's film, plastic film at the acne at the acne. >> No one should be throwing up. >> I do it like at least once a week. >> I take out the garbage my husband puts
in. >> Um all just habits, right? education and little life little little changes >> and waste. >> Um >> yeah, >> moving on. The Fourth Creek and Navas River update. There are no updates. Um I
think everything usually tends to be in pretty good standing this time of year. Um because of this, >> you know what? I'd just like to update. I was in the parking lot this morning and uh two things. One, out on the road. Um we happen to do this right in front
of Anna Anen. She's walking down the street and there we are taking our water samples at the and I have to, you know, I said this is what bringing awareness to the municipality of Fair Haven has done the the way that they have cleared
out Fourth Creek of the Knotwood I mean notweed >> and notweed is just spotlight like it's so wonderful and I think that >> this little it was all private insurance It was um yeah, the DPW cleared out a
little bit just the clean ocean action right away, but we talked to the insurance and um River Beach to try to clean up their sides and the insurance was very proactive about >> and they went I mean actually I think it should be a field trip for all those who
are wondering what Fort Creek used to be >> and we should just take a little walk in our Fourth Creek um environment. It still looks pretty bad. >> It looks so much better though, >> but you can actually see that there's a creep. >> Yeah, you can you can see that and we're
not let going to let it go back. And I will say that Swana said that a new focus along with feal matter which you know we test for is the uh I think moving forward we're really going to try to attack road salt. >> She just made you aware of that.
>> Yeah, that's great. Especially this time here. My dog. Thanks you. >> Yeah. Um and and that could be again right if we had education and resources that we can share with them you know and put them on the website so that other residents can understand some of these alternatives.
Um living shoreline grant again there's no updates on that. They're waiting you know Stevens has not been receptive to coming out to do a um topographic survey of 21 Fairbin Road. They've been trying they haven't gotten
back to them. Um the talk has been do we ask another engineering firm to do a topographic or a survey to see if living shorelines is feasible at 21 roads in what capacity? >> I mean how much detail do you need? How how detailed to what do you need
>> because I can pull contours out of the lighter data. I can send it to you and see what it looks like. >> Um I put you in touch an email with Chris York and Nick. >> Yeah. No, that's the simple reality. you can today with all the laser imaging, you can actually pull out contour lines from the data. >> No, you're good. Now, all right. So, I'm
going to put you on that because I'm also going to um I did mention and offered your services on some mapping for the storm water as well too that maybe you might be a good person to consult with to see do inhouse compared to >> I know John. >> We can look at stuff.
>> We are very excited to have you and your skills. >> Not a problem. It's great. So >> actually the same software that I've been using actually the same machine I'm using is a university machine um they were using for um coastal erosion up >> right
>> she's pretty accurate too by >> awesome um okay education series I know we've discussed some of this um do you have uh so we know that February 4th we're coming up with the storm water March 12th
>> this is the first one >> that's the first one yes >> January by next Tuesday. >> It's 11:00. So, it's it's because it's at the Thronson Garden Club's meeting >> that they're going to have this lecture hall at BM Hall and Rumson
>> and everyone's invited to attend >> everyone invited >> the free event. So, that's January and um Susan and I and Anna have met with the Rumson EC and try to kind of collaborate and continue with this collaboration. So, that's January
>> and Renbang's coming to that too. And we're trying to get a little silver also just so we have everyone collaborating. So the educational series really is a great way to do that. >> Yeah. >> And I think once we get our priorities
straight, we can build out the rest. >> I agree. >> Yeah. >> Um and it would be wonderful to have just a flyer with all these events so that people can just have a one pager and know what to attend and what's available. Um and I like that there's some during the day, some at night. So
there's different time options as well. >> You had talked about two others though, right? So you were talking about possibly doing a solar panel one in May. >> Oh, well that new but fresh off the press. >> Yes. Um, >> and then what was the other one? In
>> we're going to have a energy here and energy talk probably at my house and getting guinea pig to show what a resident a fair haven resident can uh look forward to if they want to possibly consider solar paneling in their home
>> or community solar if they wanted to get involved in that. And then we were thinking of perhaps if after the storm water, our Americanore resident that came and spoke to us, Rich Richardson in December, maybe we could
do a rain barrel workshop for residents and for students as well to come at the community center to, you know, again, after the talk of um >> storm water, here's one solution people can do. Maybe even just make rain barrels for the schools and one for
Burough Hall, the library out here, right? And decorate them just so that it's on display so people can see that. That that might be a nice hands-on workshop. >> Sure. >> You know, um where people can get creative and decorate it
art like our community artist. So that's great. And so I think um Susan, we can work on like creating a flyer, Canvas, some kind of flyer, putting all this stuff together. Hopefully um we'll have it all locked in by the end of this week or by next week,
the latest. >> Um is that something that you're going to want a largeity and have it professionally printed? >> I'm sure we'd like to have some of the prints like this. I don't know if the burrow can do it, but flyers like this.
>> Okay. Do you want to just vote on like a spend? We're going to be spending money on it. >> That's a good idea. >> Yeah. >> Um Oh, and just as as another followup with the education series. So, >> the cost to have Chris Arota come speak to us is not going to come out of the AC
budget. Um there's a budget line on storm water because it's part of the required training. >> So, that is a big savings from our budget to come and have him speak. So that is that is good news. Um but I do
think yes maybe we can vote on monies that we want to spend for education series >> and redefine the education series. Okay. >> I think maybe including print costs, speaker fees. >> Um
>> what else might that entail? Right. Like it has a rain barrel. >> I don't know. >> Right. Right. >> Do we need to do that at this meeting >> or can we come back with an educational series and then budget it is not your
next meeting? >> We could do that. >> Our next meeting is >> Feb 18th. >> Yeah. So maybe if we want to just vote on >> money to print at least >> money to print and and and but so if we
just say not exceeding $250 we probably won't but just for the if there's an immediate need >> right what are you what are your everyone's thoughts on that >> I'm trying to think about what I can >> and we had kind of talked I'm I think
Shri already approved a budget for our event of $325. Um, we had talked about maybe explaining it, but if you're going to do another event, maybe I mean I think we're covered. >> Yes. Because and that's what I want to
speak to you too since we cannot use uh funds or food. >> We cannot use that for that. So Chris was saying just you can still co-sponsor but let them cover that. We'll cover you know the other stuff.
Yeah, I'm just thinking about >> because we were having at noon with DPW, we were going to have pizza, but it ends up being we can't buy pizza for >> But you could buy it from the You could buy it out of donations because you're on community appeal.
>> You can use your donation money from We cannot do that. >> There's a lot of vendors. >> Okay. Well, then we'll we'll work on that. So we have I mean we approved $325. So the talk is 225. So we have
$100 pizza if we need it. >> Um but in terms of our do you think 250 is a good number? Do you think we should do >> I can't imagine that printing? >> Yes. I'm I know. I'm just thinking of
like any miscellaneous thing that could arise. >> 325. >> 32. >> Oh sorry. >> Okay. >> Just enough just in case. 250 is the target and 325 is the cap. >> Okay. So, um
uh all in favor. >> Any opposed? >> Nope. >> Okay. >> Can you remind me what um your budget is? >> 1500, I think. Maybe it's more. >> No, there's more than that. >> 38. >> I I knew it. I I have a general idea.
>> Okay. >> 38. And so >> the having the cost of the the storm water come out of that's David as a $100. >> Yeah, it's great. >> Um Okay.
>> So would it make sense for next meeting when we get our priorities straight to address the budget before we get to >> of the year and scramble? So next year, next year next meeting at
um 218 we will talk about goals and budget items and it's love where you live day. >> Love where you live day. Yes. So understand too for those that are not familiar with our budget also covers the budget of the green team and the green
team are um a hands boots on the ground force. They do a lot with community engagement and lovely lift day is one of our major events >> um where we it's a fantastic community >> and for a couple years the volunteers
also volunteer their money for it. So it hopefully yeah they'll get not have to pay for >> for for print materials and banners and for other um fees that might come up. >> The band >> food can't pay food. >> We can't pay for food. Yeah.
>> Well, no, but we'll get the dos. >> Yeah. >> Um, so that's great. Well, we did have dozitos there one year. We're able to charge people here, but still charge it. So, we can we come up. We're creative. >> We're We are very creative.
>> Very creative with that. >> Um, wonderful. >> So, Marter Park and Open Space Preservation, Anna and John are here. Do you have anything to add to that? Uh, moving on to administrative items. >> Green team update. Um, anybody want to give a brief green team update from
what's going on if unless we covered a lot of it. >> Much covered. We were just talking about the events that we're going to have. >> Yeah. Um, >> and then if anybody has So, as Love Regular Day is coming up in April, if anyone has any ideas for vendors or tables that they have.
>> Yes. Yes, please let Bonnie and Robin know. >> It's a fifth year and it gets bigger and bigger every year. I mean, last year we had over a hundred vendors. I mean, Susan had a lovely art table. >> Yeah, that was great, Susan. >> I mean, there just there's something for
everyone and and the kids do their tables and it's it's really nice. >> And Rack had events going on. Shade tree had a table there. So, we like to invite the commissions and different committees come and talk. Um, we had students from Nwood doing their slam poetry presentations which was fantastic and
they're gonna be doing it again. >> Did we talk to Manika? She is already in. >> Okay. >> And it's going to be at the the new community center this year. >> Also room. >> What's in >> and a
fountain and some and some indoor space in case you know we have wind or anything we can put some of the >> and there's tables and chair. That is the nice frame going inside. So, one of the reasons so I was Robin and I were the first chairs of it. So, I'm a little bit biased to love where you live day. I
love love where you live day. But the um what we did the first time was we had a bsentennial hall because people really didn't even know what bsentennial hall was. So, one of the things was we wanted to bring attention to this amazing building, historic building. So, since then, the second year we did um bsentennial hall, but then we did third
street trail. Uh last year we did um Nullwood not wood um Sickles Marter Park. So they've been moving it so that like you're bringing attention to different parts of >> uh Fair Haven and why >> why we love Fair Haven now with our new community center. I love that you're
doing that. I think that's >> and you encourage bikers and walkers and so it's very centrally located in town. >> Yeah, >> it's going to be a great day. So if you have any ideas to send them uh to the green team. Um, and just as another
we're working we're meeting with the Nwood Green team next week to come up with some ideas and collaboration events as well. Awesome. Uh, planning board update. Anna's not here. Council update. Councilwoman James Sally and
Councilwoman Lucky. We have any I mean we just had our reorg meeting so we just um got swore in um Kevin Griffin and Christina. So that's exciting. Mhm. >> Um >> the grant. >> So today we just had a meeting with the
grant. Do you want to talk about >> Okay. So um a grant for 21 Fair Haven Road. We already know we're doing the project. We had gotten grants already, two grants to help pay for some of it. We had paid with grants um to purchase the property. So tonight we were voting
whether to use um to go for another grant, which you do need to match the funds. But luckily, this grant is pretty unique. You can use existing funds from other grants. So, we can actually use the funds from an open space grant and a um green acres grant to match it. It was
we actually have to do a 75% match. I think it's 300,000 that we would What was the number? >> Yeah. 300 and then No, we 900. >> Yeah. So, the total would be like >> 1.2. >> 1.2. um which would we think we'd still need to give some pay some money or
figure out some other money for 21 Fair Road, but we're already doing the project. So, it was kind of a no-brainer. We all voted to move forward with the grant. Um so, it would it would help pay for the project that we're already planning on doing, but there is a portion of um feedback we need or
community um engagement. So, we're going to have to have a meeting um with the community to talk about the plan again. Even though I don't know if you know but there were um town halls, not town halls, what do we call them? >> Yeah, open houses. >> Open houses to talk about the plans for
21 Fair Haven Road. So based on multiple open houses, they come up with a prelim preliminary plan to be able to get some of the original grants um grant funding. So we have a preliminary plan already and this is due February 23rd or something. So, it would be hard to uh
Councilman Cole had asked if this money could be used for other things and it could, but we don't have any other plan in place that we'd be able to move forward on. And this is something we already know we're paying for. We have do like on the books. So, it was kind of a no-brainer. So, that's so hopefully
we're going to apply for this grant and get some more money to pay for 21 Fair Haven Road. And in between that time, we will have some open houses to talk about it. and living shoreline was discussed for 21 Fair Haven Road as well. So that's on the >> docket and on on the mind of the council
members. >> Yeah. I mean that's a big piece of it. And that would also >> some of that will dictate the price too. So there there's a pretty big range on what that would be if bulkhead versus shoreline >> obviously. But I'm glad that even just
having been on the EC 5 years ago and to now the words that are being used that wouldn't have been used before like living shoreline sustainability. We've really come a long way even in 5 years. So I'm I'm happy that >> it's being considered in our plans now which wasn't before.
>> Great. >> Kelly, one question. Anything on Marta Pond or Swan Pond? Um, no, I have not heard any update on Marta Pond or uh >> I mean I haven't heard anything bad which is good. I mean we did all that
work um and I think it helped a lot. Um but we haven't had a meeting so >> hopefully we'll have a meeting before your next meeting and we'll give you an update. Yeah, I can also find out, you know, follow up with Chris too if there's anything. But I've heard great
stuff that has happened the last, you know, with Marter Pond, you know, from the fall and the end of summer with those treatments. Um, but I don't know what anything moving forward on that. Um,
any other questions? I I just have one question too about do you know when or where we are with the uh playground at McCarter Park? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um we >> this is Jake's law. So we got a grant
for Jake's law specifically which had 88 requirements. So they're very specific requirements they had and there was talk about the surface and everything. Um there's a plan in place. Did we Okay, now I'm trying to remember.
It's I think we haven't voted it through, but the plant so we I think it's going out to bid. I think that's the next step is it's going out to bid or that's right. It's going out to bid or we'll get state um contractors. There is still a chance for discussion
on the surface but what's happening is you have to have a um inclusive surface and the only the the approved surfaces are your >> infl plastic like that pin plastic that you see in like Rumson just put in there
at sickles playground >> by the sickles by yeah >> it's all poured in place which is all >> bed. >> But the problem is and that's very cushiony and but when it breaks down underneath that is all crumb rubber.
It's all you know very very not great things that you want kids to be playing around in it. >> Um the second thing is engineered wood uh like wood filler. Um so there's two types of surfaces that are approved for
ADA compliant. There's been a lot of research out recently on the negatives in the homes of port and play plastic. Um that out of the two and we've reached out Stephanie Adams um was reaching out
to the person at the National Institute of Health >> um asking for who just came out with a published report on this um about this issue and said out of those two I would go with the engineered wood or the um I forgot what it's called. Yes,
>> I would go with that surface. It's less toxic in the long term um before we can come up with a >> because Jake's law is trying to be helpful and inclusive to all abilities. We have to make sure that we're also not putting more kids in harm. Yeah.
>> Right. And so my question was to the town, have we done a costbenefit analysis of both of those types of services so that we could be open if both of them are approved? Could we go with the less harmful one and still be
compliant and it might turn out to be cheaper in the long run because it doesn't require as much upkeep as as a port of play. >> I forgot to tell you that I did talk when I talked to Chris York I asked if when we go out to bid can we get
>> do an alternate. >> Yeah. So can we see both side by side? >> Yeah. I would just say also I'd like to think about life cycle but >> you know this is always one of the things they talk about right up front they just say okay let's put it in place >> but then next 15 years down the road it's going to degrade and have to be replaced
>> and cost a lot of money >> well then when you have in terms of what do you how can you recycle the material that you have you know can be >> well the problem is also that the playground companies really aren't you utilizing anything else because there was another um there's an innovation like a cork surface
>> cork right >> that he's but it's Yeah, it's not used yet. >> It's not commercially used yet, but it would be a much safer alternative, >> but then there's not a lot of um information on the longevity of that. And so, it's it's unfortunate because
there's no clear answer. There's no clear like this is what's safe, this is what would work, and what is allowed cuz some of the surfaces aren't even allowed by Jake's law. It did look like that other surface can be used in the Jake law, but I'm not even sure 100%. It like
wasn't cleared >> based on what I looked at, but >> yes. And so, so my my ask and request from the e, you know, from an EC standpoint, but could we just have both of these? I want I would love to know
>> specific and so have that put into our decision making. H >> I don't know. This is just a question to if if it could be possible. I don't know. >> I did ask Chris and I he said it should be but it's not something that we
>> could you guys like you guys will go vote and say we would like you to do that >> request to have an >> Can I do that? >> Can we do that Christie? >> What >> have a um a motion to vote to just request for a second bid?
>> Mhm. or just add an alternate alternate >> the specifications for this period >> and I'm happy to share this information writing facts rich is rich with Michael >> yes >> I would assume that's yeah >> I'm assuming that's an easy thing to do
>> just ask the contract yeah you don't want to go too crazy >> no because I I know I asked this like two week whenever we were talking about this is probably two weeks ago >> I haven't heard anything about >> I haven't heard any updates but I'll I'll We still want to put in five alternates because then some contract
was to say it's too much work to do. >> Sure. >> So one or two things. Okay. But you know >> Yeah. >> I mean with the garbage we had four >> you know five old. Yeah. >> Yeah. I was well you know the deacon up here was part of why we didn't get recycled
>> because it discouraged you know the more effort it is to bid the project you have to think about it and then it's also more risk >> and and I could I I'm easy I think we can have that conversation with Chris just that like the EC supports >> I'm just a skeptic of state laws and
state mandates because you know again now we're in the conundrum of we're going to have to use a product that's >> questionable you know and it's like and and that's you know 10 years down the line and then we find out oh gez this wasn't >> this did more harm than the >> t clusters
>> yeah well plastics and everything I again I just look at it >> it's like whole thing about tur fields now right and all that's coming up so >> so much >> just want to be proactive a little bit just do our due diligence well before we get it every >> um any public comments do we have
anybody I just say on the Christmas trees I wish I could remember where I was listening to um feel like it was on Long Island or something that they collected trees and they um ground them up like you brought your tree, dropped it up, they ground it up and you were allowed to either take some of the
compost with you or you could spread it around town, you know, in areas that need compost. It just seemed like such a great idea, you know, the day that they are all the firehouse and they, you know, have Bren and
>> you know a lot of things like pine natural or whatever. I I don't know. It just seemed it is such a sin to see all those trees on the street every year. >> And I and I don't know. Then they go up to the brush. So they lug them up to the brush side. They sit there then somebody
comes picks them up, right? And then they take them somewhere. I I don't know. It just seems like a lot of wasted >> time and energy. >> There was someone driving around just picking up trees the other day. I don't know what they were doing with them. >> I just thought it was like >> rest. It could be a fun little community
event. >> Mhm. >> Come grind your >> chocolate. Get a little put it in your drawer. >> I don't know. That's I mean we're open to suggestions. Pine's a great cleaner. >> What?
>> Pine needles are a great cleaner. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, okay. Any other public comment? >> Oh, Stephanie has her hand up. >> Go ahead, Stephanie. >> Hi, Stephanie Adams. Um, congratulations
to Steve and Christina and Michael. Um, so excited to have you guys on board. Um, on the uh on the playground, I would suggest Michael, I know you had mentioned that you might be talking to the folks at Green Acres. I'm not really
sure who actually sort of administered, you know, came up with Jake Law, Jake's Law. Um, I would encourage you guys to, you know, talk to the folks that actually understand what the parameter, what the
requirements are of the law as far as surfacing goes. Um, I also have been trying to do research and it's it's very hard to find out what exactly is allowed. Um, and in doing so, if you are
allowed to use engineered wood fiber and let's call it just rubber, you know, there might be a third option whereby you are putting rubber tiles around the
equipment and in paths. So, you kind of limit how much. So, it's not technically I don't think it's poured in plastic. it might be versus rubber tiles. But so you're you're doing a combination of both. So then when you have these larger areas that don't necessarily require um
access, you could then put down the engineered wood fiber there um and just kind of limit how much of this, you know, rubber surfacing that you're going to put down. What I would encourage you to do is, you know, find out what the
options are because obviously in order to get the grant, you have to, you know, >> yeah, >> comply with the the requirements and whether that's Greenacres or the D. I don't I don't know. I couldn't even figure out who >> I was going to start with the Greenacre. Thank you for the reminder. Yeah, I think that's a good place to start
because if I think it would probably be the most expeditious, the most efficient way for the bureau to approach it >> is to say, okay, these are the requirements and let's say you can do both. Um, you know, we as the bureau, we would like to limit how much rubber we
put in and then go to bid with that speck as opposed to let's get a spec on because we all know port and plastic is a full port in plastic is going to be it's horrendously expensive. So you know there's going to be savings if even if you split it up you know and do rubber
and engineered wood fiber. But so once you know what your requirements are then go out to bid with a particular spec and just say we want to minimize rubber. We know we need it for access and pathways. Um how how little can we put in and then do
you know hopefully you can do some of the other surfaces in um in engineered wood fiber. Thank you. >> Great. Good idea. >> Okay. Anything else? >> Do you have a motion to adjourn?
>> Okay. All right. >> Thank you. >> Have a great night, everybody. >> All right. us in our medic.