In accordance with the open public of the state of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting of the Franklin Township Environmental Commission was made by posting on the Bolton board in the municipal posted on the township website and electronically transmitted to the officially designated newspapers
indicating this meeting would take place in person at Philippines on February 2nd. >> Yep. Groundhog Day. >> Yep. Groundhog. I don't know what and Tony Phil had to say. >> He said six more weeks.
>> Where does he know? >> Right. >> Roll call is next. >> Walter. Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm here. [laughter] >> I know. >> Yes. >> Or else? >> Yes. >> Easy. >> Maria. She's not here. >> Yeah.
>> Ellen. >> Yes. >> Everybody. We did. And um >> what happened to the other day? >> Yeah. Um the council did not um >> you may forgot the new >> the council didn't appoint him.
>> They did not approve him. >> They didn't approve him. >> No. Um the the uh official line is that he had all his resume was all finance and nothing to do with environment. [sighs]
>> I'm not going any further. >> Wow. Um, so, so we have >> what you're saying is that Robin is irreplaceable basically. >> That's true, too. Yeah. >> I was wondering who was there in the the gallery. >> So, we still have a vacancy. [snorts]
>> Yeah. So, we still have a a vacancy. I did email this um woman that Maria and I met at the Elizabeth Avenue School. She got a PhD in climatology, but she's got three kids and she hasn't answered.
So, you know, we talked about her with her at that. This would be perfect. >> I will reach out to my usual suspects. >> Okay. >> Um, we'll report later. >> Good. Good. >> Wow. >> I I did put out word in Canal Walk, but
they have an environmental group there, but nobody wanted to go on the on the state the township side. >> So, so, um, we have an old call here. I actually wrote something. It says uh happy new year to everybody since I didn't wish everybody a happy new year
when I >> Oh, thank you. >> And sorry about missing the January meeting, but it was nice in Florida. >> Be, you know, >> yeah. Yeah. Then >> on January 14th, the planning board approved a significant change to the B1
zone. And that's what this article was in the Franklin um thing. If you haven't seen it, I know I uh it limits the size of warehouses planned in the B1. It specifies it location and setbacks. Uh the same thing
I talked about with the committee that drafted this has to be within a mile of the uh 287 intersection. It has to be set set back nothing over 400,000 square ft. There's a difference between over I think it's 150,000 and up to 400,000.
There's more setbacks on the 400,000 if I remember right. >> So does B1 are they okay with what they approved? >> It um has to go to the council >> and if it goes to the count I mean
>> yeah the the planning board passed this. >> I understand that. >> But is B1 on are they okay with what they passed? >> Are you talking about B9? >> He's talking about BI the BI zone. the BIO about the warehouse.
>> That's B9. I was confused also. That's B. >> Got um as also I think everybody knows at this point um I write this before as you may know our commission has lost our liaison to the township council. Ed Pataznik has been appointed by Governor
Charelle to head the department of environmental protection. We will miss her comments and ideas his uh comments and ideas. However, our loss uh is uh Ted Chase. That's who I knew with this. Ted Ted Chase is here. Okay. However,
our loss is a major gain for the state. Uh and then I want to congratulate Ellen and Stan for the um composting. They had a nice size crowd with >> I was pleased. >> I was [snorts] It was Yeah, it was good.
and um so um well attended. Ellen did a very nice presentation. Thank you. >> I was thrilled with um the interaction with the audience. Yes, >> they were great. >> Yeah. Yeah. [snorts] >> That's that uh approval of the January
5th meetings uh minutes. >> Motion. So move. >> Stan, did you can you remember what you reported at the beginning of the meeting? I had in my notes as Jas reported and then I never finished the
sentence. >> Um I was reporting that uh [clears throat] the reappointment um was very interesting because uh Cheryl was uh doing uh the cere what's
the word ceremony? No, she was in swearing in swearing in. Yeah. What I didn't know at that time that she will just Yeah. Okay. Just you go with me out. >> Yeah. [laughter] Um >> I just deleted the line where you put that [clears throat] because I because I
figured it wasn't unless you want that in. I figured it wasn't >> I'm just answering the question our activity. [laughter] >> That's okay. >> Yeah. I saw her speak at the at his at the
>> gala of the League of Conservation of Voters over at the palace. She she was the first speaker when they when we had the G. So there was they already were working with each other. >> So we'll see what happens. >> I think I also mentioned that um I was
kind of questioning whether Javan was actually confirmed and nobody answered that question. We were like, "Okay, we'll see." Now we do see >> when when I got the list of ones that the council had approved cuz I got the the thing the source square in. His name
was >> and um I talked to uh who called me Ed called me before before he was named and told me that uh so
>> okay um open the floor to public comment. >> I don't I'm sorry I don't I just got the Walter made the motion to approve the minutes. I don't think we got a second. >> I was in a hurry to get to you >> make the motion but anyway I second it.
>> I'm sorry. Okay. Go ahead. >> Oh, did you make the motion? >> Yeah, I did. >> I did. Okay. And >> Okay, then call me second. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And you made the some changes. >> All in favor? All in favor?
>> I I you okay with that stand? No, just so that maybe Ted has some additional questions or Yeah. Will someone else? >> No. >> Okay. So, we'll have a motion then we'll
close the we'll accept accept the minutes as modified >> or added to. Okay. >> So, >> we modified that. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Good. >> Um, open the uh a motion to open the public to >> So move second.
>> I turn. [clears throat] >> Hi everybody. It's nice to see you. Happy New Year. >> No, I'm not going to stay long cuz number one, I want to go back out and see that moon again before it gets much higher. >> Oh, thanks for the reminder. >> It is incredible. Um, there were a
couple things that I hope you don't lose track of. Um, one is the tree ordinance. A lot of work was put into that. Have you heard anything from that? >> We're still waiting for um a product from CME. >> How much time did you give them? >> We provided them, I believe it was in
November, our revision, our second round of revisions. Okay. >> Um, we spoke about it at our last shade tree meeting which was the end of January. [snorts] >> Um, >> so it is going through a pipeline. >> Yeah. Okay. very slowly
>> because as you know that cap is near and dear to me even though >> we well [snorts] that's actually a second thing. >> Yes, >> that that the cap is another thing that is being discussed also >> it's being brought to the council's um [clears throat] uh attention that it was
300 and it's been three years now. First it was 10 years, they raised $30 to 300. >> And so, and we said every year, that's what the ordinance says. Now, it's been three years. >> I don't mean the dollar amount. I mean the 25% cap. >> It used to be in the
>> Oh. Oh. Oh, okay. >> But they could only use the fund for 25%. So, I I really hope that gets some light of day. And the other thing is the sustainability element of the land use portion of the master plan. Mark Healey
told us in a meeting that he would form a committee of the environmental commission members including the environmental commission, the zoning board and the planning board >> and that was a year and a half ago. >> And what was that for?
>> To help to help develop a sustainability element in the master plan because we have to update it in 2026. I mean >> so Mark just sent out what the approach he's taking for updating the land use element. So he's only updating the land use element.
>> By doing that his he has told me that that does not require the putting in of the climate change related hazard vulnerability assessment. Um so he has updated he's updating portions of the plan. He's sending it out to the committee. So I was going to discuss
that with everybody tonight. Um but basically it's that you know there's recommendations in there like updating the environmental resource inventory and things like that in terms of developing the sustainability element. Him and I just talked last week about the open
space plan finally which I have been on deck for that for the last three plans. So it's coming along but yeah >> I'm concerned more than just the vulnerability with flooding which is what everybody's talking about. It's having some green building thing.
which is you building code is land use, right? >> Oh, yes. Correct. >> So, it has to be this year or we wait 10 years or we go a standalone plan which I don't know what his um it's hard because it's like they're they're so tight staff-wise. But yeah, I'm I'm involved
in it for sure and right now I'm finally at the point where we can do the open space plan that I've been waiting to do and then but that's definitely on the docket for sure. >> And there are other towns we could copy. >> Yeah. Yep. Yep. >> Find somebody else's and just redline it and take out what you don't want so we
don't write it from the get- go. But >> he told us he would do that. >> Yeah. I mean, the other approach of doing it is that we like take it on and do what we did with um the community energy plan and basically write it here and then >> pass it along.
>> And if I remember, you had said, "Let's finish the community energy plan. Let's finish this, this, and this." And we've done all those. >> Those are all three done now. Yes. Yes. >> If [snorts] it's something this group wants to do and you want a committee member to help supplement, consider me because I feel that strongly about it.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> I'd like to see us do something that we can be proud of. >> Um there are lots [snorts] of towns in the state that have done some really good stuff. Um and even just other towns climate action plans. Um
>> we can copy these. We don't have to write >> has one. We've we've looked at >> Monontlair does. Maplewood. Uh, so many towns are doing good stuff anyway. So, thank you for keeping them. >> No problem. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Thank you for the work on the landscaping. What do you call it? The
leaf blower. >> We'll be talking about that again. >> Yeah, I see that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> And congratulations for the other night. >> Oh, thank you very much. >> Okay. Please folks
>> like uh we have to move to close the public. We have Yeah, we need a motion to close since there is no other public here. >> So, move. >> Okay. Um, correspondence. >> Thanks, Robin. No correspondence. I just
double checked. So, >> that's for you guys. Keep it >> a Thanks, Robin. >> Putting the packaging. [laughter] >> Very good. >> No correspondence. >> No correspondence. And I haven't been to the they in 6 months I've been asking to
get a key to our environmental and they you get one at a DPW. That's who makes the keys. >> Well, I come to the I come to the desk and the woman goes back with me, opens up the box that >> when I came back and there was nothing. >> I'm sure there's probably never anything
in there. >> Not much. Okay. And there's no uh site plans. >> We actually don't have any site plans. >> Okay. So, we're up to new business. Okay. Well, leaf blow work ordinance draft. >> So, I've had conversations with members
of the township council about this and it was recommended that we invite a few landscapers um to a commission meeting to hear from them about our proposal prior to our submission to the council. It's possible they may influence
uh what we write. And so I'm hoping to set this up for the next meeting and have been given the name of one landscaper so far. Uh I didn't want to contact anybody until I discussed it with you guys first. Um so if uh anybody
has it the names of any landscapers that they want to give me for me to contact. >> Why don't we use the landscaper that was here last time? >> We had somebody um >> uh Saddowski, something like that. I've got his name. Yeah, >> if you can give me his name and and
contact information. >> Sure. >> Preferably phone number. >> I've got I've got all that >> and I phone number in there. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um >> I mean he's doing Canal Walk, which is a small town. >> And and he said he's not interested in
any town business, so there's no conflict of interest. >> That's great. And >> and he had he mentioned as when he did the presentation he mentioned a little bit about the blowers from what I gather. >> Yeah, he was good and he's very knowledgeable in that area. So
>> excellent. So hopefully I can get these guys to come to our next meeting and we can present it to them. Uh and you know I'm I'm going to have something prepared to to talk to them about to say you [laughter] know this isn't where you're going to give us your grievances. I
mean, you can we're looking for constructive criticism or constructive comments. Um, I mean, you can put out your grievances if you want, but that's really if we when we pass it on to the council >> and if the council decides to take it up and they introduce it, then when they
introduce it, landscapers on mass can come and uh, >> hey, >> hi. >> And uh, put out the grievances at that time. >> Okay. Just to be clear, so Arie, is the recommendation that the landscaper come here and we present to them as a group or is it that the landscaper like we ask
the landscaper to like look over what you've prepared? >> We want the landscapers to come here and and what it is that we're doing what we're proposing. Um, if you think it's appropriate that I send them a copy of
the wording that we've put together so far, >> it might be helpful. >> We can do that also. >> It might be helpful only because then because I I doubt they're going to want to come to two different meetings maybe or so maybe it would >> get it done. >> Yeah. So maybe if they could review what you have ahead of time.
>> That's great. >> That would be good. >> Okay. Right. Was this landscaper or was he representing any professional organization? >> No, himself. >> Okay. >> I mean, he's got a 100 people working for it. It's not a small operation. >> Okay. All right.
>> And I mean, doing Canal Walk is 1,200 homes there. >> Here's the email. I'm going to send it to you. It was from Live Oak [clears throat] Landscape. So, I'm going to forward you >> for forward Arie. >> The email I don't have. I can look up the phone number. His name's Mike
Sidlowski. He was very good. >> Yeah. >> Sid Lowski. >> Okay. >> Um >> because that's not the name that I have. So just want to make sure it's not duplicate. Good. >> I'll give you info also on um Reian.
>> Well, I'm wondering, you know, how many people do we want? I two three at [clears throat] the most. I would say >> big. >> Okay. >> You you're making choice. [clears throat] >> Okay. You want to send me send me Regan's information also, Walter? That'd be great. >> Okay. >> These guys are good, too. The ones at
Live Oak Landscaping I remember too. Why is because they're also landscape architects. >> Yeah. >> So, they're they were very up to-date with sustainable practices and things like that. >> You're talking about this Mike. Yeah.
>> Yeah. He and he tied it to climate change, how the the grasses are moving north and the trees are moving north. This guy here, he is. Yeah. He's a landscape architect and this was the guy he came with, Derek Chad. >> Oh, he went with him. Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I guess
>> I wouldn't doubt it if if I invite two or three, >> they might invite 10 more for all that allowed allowed to do. >> We have a time committee, >> dialogue, >> a good dialogue. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to try and set it up for next
for our next meeting. Okay. >> I'm sorry, Ted. What were you going to say? I might mention that at present uh there's no zone in the township where a landscape business headquarters is allowed. But that's something we're
considering at the planning board and as part of the [clears throat] revision the up >> landscape headquarters >> landscape headquarters is not allowed in >> right you can't locate >> a business in the anywhere in the
township and we may >> that's a surprise >> you have somewhere to recommend and that might be what a spooky spooky >> that's fine to bring up at the meeting I say but not relevant to the to the leaf blower ordinance.
>> Yeah. Well, a large business [clears throat] and probably all the ones you're talking about will have a settled uh headquarters somewhere, but [clears throat] there are small landscapers who are >> illegally
>> trying to always trying to park their vehicles somewhere and not be seen by the zoning inspectors. What about Spooky Brook? The ones on Amwell Road. Isn't Is that Aren't they a landscaper? The one on Amwell? [snorts] Spooky
Brook. >> The Gordon Place. >> Yeah, it's between um >> What are you talking about? >> They [clears throat] do landscaping. >> Well, I guess they're not perceived as being landscapers. >> It would be considered like a retail garden establishment.
Is it acceptable to have headquarters outside but having the actual depot with equipment within the town? >> Well, I think it's it's the you know having a bunch of equipment at a parking lot that the concern is about.
[clears throat] >> So you're going to reach out Arie then and you'll and so if they are coming to the next meeting just let me know so I can put it on the agenda and Okay. >> Okay. >> Perfect. >> Okay. So just pass this >> and I sent out I I sent out um um the
and to Tara and Tara sent it out with the agenda. >> I did update. Now there was one word I think that you said to take off the word methane stand. >> Yes, I saw that. >> So I highlighted it cuz I wasn't sure. So we'll we'll take that out. >> Yeah, >> I have paper copies if anyone wants it
in a paper. >> Many more comments. Well, anyway, uh before I forget, um so your goal is to bring together landscapers for some sort of listening session. >> Well, and for them to and for them to,
you know, to have to make comments on what it is. >> That's what I'm saying. I mean, you know, they might come here and say instead of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., we want it 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. >> So, so my question is, um, I have some contacts to landscapers who, uh, are
more electrified. >> Uh, is it something that you would like to have them uh, >> electrified? >> Yeah, it means that they drive electric and they have a frank full of electric equipment so they when they do landscaping, they have electric stuff. >> I think that's not what we're looking
for. They're the they're the people that we want those people um using their equipment. We're looking for to bring in people that are using gas or fossil fuel equipment that are going to be against what it is that we're looking to do. >> Well, why are you excluding ones that
are already doing it? You know, we should >> That's a question. >> Well, first of all, we already have three that I'm getting. Okay. And what I'm just not sure why we would want somebody that's already using electric equipment to come in. I mean, we could,
but I I just don't see the >> Maybe the ones that want will learn a lesson from it. >> Well, hold on. This one thing, just one quick point of order. So, if you invite people to if it's going to be like a large group of people, we should probably set aside an ample amount of time on the agenda for that, which is
totally fine, but just let me know if it's going to be a lot of people cuz I want to make sure we have room and that enough time and all that stuff. >> Well, I was only going to invite those three that those three are all going to say yes. Now, you only need to invite, you know, one of Stan's people that's
already electrified. Um, I mean, if that's what you want, then then >> if we go that way, though, we might want to have a separate day or something, maybe. I don't know. Is that too much? >> You know, I'd like to see what what it is that >> what response I get.
>> Um, but again, I might get >> responses from two people who say they can make it to the next meeting. >> Meanwhile, they might bring five of their friends who are landscapers. So, we just we just don't know. >> You think they're all friends? >> Yeah. Well, they I'm sure they have
friends um or but this is a time for them to get together, band together, >> and say no to what it is that we're doing. They might be enemies, but they they don't want that to happen. [clears throat] That's >> fine. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. Any other comments on the leaf
blower item? Okay. Then, um International Dark Sky Week, April 13th to 20th. >> Yes. So, uh Okay. So, I've been talking to the Franklin Township Astronomy Club.
Our um our trails advisory committee has worked with them in the past. Our trails advisory committee is actually a sponsor of the astronomy club. Um one thing that they are very interested in is light pollution obviously because they need places that are dark to be able to do their observations.
Um and they're interested in partnering with us potentially on some future events or educational opportunities. We did work with them last year with the trails advisory committee to do the Firefly night. >> Yeah. >> And they're great. Um the the one of the co-presidents of the club is a dark
skies ambassador. So he's been trained by the dark skies entity that basically explains, you know, the importance of um warm lighting and low lighting and how it impacts the ecology of the area. Um so I've been talking with him. he
actually is is on our agenda for the February 23rd to do like a brief presentation. Um, but he kind of wants to talk to us and see I I asked him he's like what would be the best thing to do in order to kind of like really forge this partnership. So I sent him what
Dark Skies have already done for us in terms of looking at our lighting ordinance and seeing does it fit their proposed, you know, what their um standards are. So he's going to really go through that and present that and how the astronomy club can maybe help us
with some educational or programming or or you know things like that. The one big thing is dark skies week which is April 13th to 20th. During that week, the trails committee is definitely going to team up with the astronomy club to do some kind of walk or event, but they
would love to partner with us and do something whether it's, you know, um they mentioned like having council maybe adopt a proclamation that we could sponsor on their behalf or doing some kind of educational event or social media post. So, I think it's a great
opportunity and we have been interested in light pollution for a long time. The astronomy club uses our [snorts] uh John Clyde memorial native grasslands preserve for all of their observations and they love it there. They take care of it. It's very dark out there. So I
think, you know, I think it's a good way to to partner other committees, too. So >> nothing on the idea of possibly putting a um what do you call it? Not a planetarium, but some kind of >> they would absolutely love to do that.
And but the thing is is that the open space uh trust can pay for those types of improvements, some kind of you know observation thing, but the main thing we can't do is is we can't staff it. We can't maintain it and they can't either. So right now it's kind of at an impass.
However, I think they would be interested in maybe building like almost something similar to a bird blind, but you bring your own telescope and you put it through. So that's something we can look in, but they have no budget. So it' have to come from, you know, an open space perspective, which, you know, no,
not that that's a bad thing, but but so yeah, so they're going to come on February 23rd, do a little presentation. They're coming to the trails advisory committee meeting this month as well to do a presentation, and they've been great to work with. I we've been working with them for about a year, and they've been really, really good. So I like it.
>> You're talking No, February 23rd, April. >> They're coming February 23rd. >> Oh, February 23rd. April. Dark Skies Week is April 13th to 20th. Yep. Yep. And we don't have to. I mean, if we want to do an educational event with them, we can. Or if we say, "Hey, we'll sponsor a
proclamation before council with you or we'll put up a social media post." We can basically be in as much as we want to be. They just kind of want to get out to the our committees like what they work on and what they have expertise in. So, >> was I just read an article, I think it
was last Tuesday's New York Times science section >> on dark skies and how particularly they recommend amber, I guess, street lights and things because the >> the bluer wavelengths make much more
difference to >> they do economy >> and they do. I attended at the ANJ conference I Arie I think you were there too. They did a whole presentation which was really cool. The police were involved in it and they showed that with that white blue light when there's like a suspect or whatever there it's very
hard like it you almost get blinded when you're staring right into that what the amber light gives like a sufficient amount of light and it's not as as bad apparently. So something to hear about at least but um yeah so if everyone's good with that I they definitely want to
come and do a presentation. If you go on to darks sky.org or you can read all about what International Dark Sky Week is. >> It's pretty interesting. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, before we move on, can I just go back to the leaf blow thing for a second?
>> Um I think it's a good idea what Stan brought up about bringing somebody electrified. So, if you can um contact somebody and let them know and then just let me know. >> I will connect you to them. >> Okay. Very good. All right. Because if
we are trying to uh promote uh electrification of leaf blowers as a way of making the air cleaner and not too much noise, we want to have someone who says hey it's possible you know. >> Exactly right. >> That person may also answer some
questions because you know we are not in the position that we are the people who are actually doing the landscaping on the professional level. you know the fact that we do it at home they may say oh you're joking right but um so somebody who is making their living out
of using electric electric equipment they should be much stronger voice >> also be able to let people know about costs also because a big a big part of it is you know it's going to cost the landscapers a lot of money to transition
and these people would know how to do it No. >> So that's what I was talking about. >> That's that's really what I was saying also. Yeah. Yeah. Good. Thank you, St. [laughter] And is not here. Is there anything from the
energy side? >> Um not really, but I have uh something observations from from the composting workshop. If uh we want to >> I have it on the agenda. Unless you want to talk about it now, it's up to you.
>> Uh what else do I have? >> Oh yes, I actually do have something else. Balcony. [clears throat] >> Balcony solar. I saw you had a note on that on the on the web. >> Yes. Yes. >> So um [clears throat] >> uh first of all, people are asking what
the hell means balcony solar? So it's a technical term. It does not necessarily mean that you have solar cells on your balconies. But that's how it started in Europe. Because people in apartments uh when uh they are facing the high energy
bill or electricity bill um they cannot put solar on the roof because they don't own the roof but uh they may have a balcony and so they just put a solar canopy which can be three or four panels which can account to up to 1.2 2
kilowatt and so uh that's how the notion of balcony solar started. It's actually it's a grid tie system which has typically less than 1.2 kilow and um instead of having dedicating
dedicated power line that hooks up [snorts] when you have you know meter so you have utility pole meter service panel and then your circuits. So your solar system normally would be between the service panel and the meter right
and it it feeds the grid and if you happen to use the energy that's fine but the rest goes into the grid and if you do not have enough then you know the grid is still connected and you use energy from grid. So, so that's how normal system is. And balcony solar
instead of connecting there when you have a um power box and circuits, it essentially hooks up to one of the circuits. And um obviously that circuit cannot handle too much, but 1.2 kW happens to
be just about fine for one US circuit because it's 120 volts times 12 amps. You say >> circuit you s talking about uh in your panel in your electric panel one of the breakers. >> Yes. Yes. You have several breakers and each of them represents circuit. So you
would find that circuit which is nearest to your balcony spot. Again doesn't have to be balcony. And so you set up the panel. It has a wire. You plug it in. It sinks and it delivers energy. And
because it's not too much um uh you do not need to have blessing from the utility because normally uh utility has uh to approve it because uh what can happen you are not at home and sun is
shining like a hell and you are exporting lots of energy and the utility is accountable to manage the grid. So they have to approve that you know your system is not going to locally disrupt or something. But with the 1200 watt system [snorts] it is assumed that it
will not and it is simplification. lots of red tapes are removed and u and the cost is also substantially lower because today the cost of setting up solar is is the the the hardware is
relatively cheap cheap and so each solar panel needs to have a box which is called micro inverter which you can buy for 30 $40 $50. You hook it up to the solar panel and what comes out of the box is power outlet essentially and you
can have extension cord and plug it to the nearest power outlet and uh in our settings uh I was calculating it can lower your energy bill by 20 to 30 maybe 40% well not that much 15 to 35 let's
say percent. Two questions. Um, one, does a township have to approve it the permits needed for the by the township >> part of part of >> and and the second question before I forget it, I'm sorry. Um, is if you already have solar panels on your roof,
can you still do something like this? >> Right. So, um, to further uh, and that kind of continuation to your question. So uh here in United States we have uh Utah that already adopted it and the way
how they have done it was through amendment of existing [laughter] uh regulation and they essentially exempted those small system and they actually here they call it portable solar in Europe it's balcony solar here it's
portable solar um you don't you don't need to have approval from the township. >> I'm 90% certain. Meaning I'm not 100% >> if you if you plug something into your
electric panel. >> Yeah. I I I mean I don't know >> power outlet power because because the circuit ends with the power outlet and uh you plug it in and uh before you plug it in you can touch it the prongs they
are not energized because the system is sensing whether power is present because it technically it can function only when it's connected to the grid. So you plug it in it will sense oh here is a voltage it's alternate current
50 hertz or whatever and um and it will start converting the DC from the um uh panel into AC synchronize and send it out >> some of your phones while you >> let me make comment
>> there's a there's a person there's a a cousin of my the daughter family lives in Somerfield Street over on on Schoolhouse Road in the back. He has a he has a panel in one of the windows
>> and he's running couple of the appliances in the house from that window and he's been doing this for a couple years now. I saw it. I was in there. >> Wow. >> You know, I had never seen something. >> Was that connected to his electric panel? I >> I don't I think he said it's running
this and that. So it's you know >> so technically if today if it's connected to the grid you need to have permission [snorts] but he's not on the grid possible >> if it's not connected to the grid if you have a island system how they call it
you can charge the batteries and from batteries you can plug uh whatever device and run it. It's not related to to the grid. So you go okay. Um but uh but that's not the
the portable solar or balcony solar by definition because uh and let's call it now portable solar because maybe the way how Utah is calling it. It's maybe better to be synchronized with the
presidents with the United States but New York state is working on it and California. Uh so essentially uh the idea is you do not create new ordin new law but you amend the existing one by
losing the red tapes for the very small systems. And maybe before that, I should actually say that in December last year, uh, New York State approved, um, new law that simplifies applications for solar
systems, which, uh, is, you know, it removes lots of red tapes already because, uh, before that, if if you have um [snorts and clears throat] illegal shed on your property, they would take it as a reason not to approve your solar
application. Okay. So, so that's how bad it used to be. So, that law in in in December removed that red tape, but but the portable solar is taking it to the next level, [clears throat] you know, and and the the only reason why it's
exempted from all sorts of regulations is because it's small, [snorts] but it makes dent it makes meaningful dent in your bill. >> Yeah. And that's that's where, you know, the affordability is where where it makes sense. And and for me, >> new word affordability, I'd never heard
that before. [laughter] >> No. >> Well, I have lots of words in my vocabulary. Yeah. Uh but uh no it's a and and today it's it's a big deal because uh um
>> I don't have to go into the details that you know but uh >> uh the electricity prices are going up and uh you know well solar by itself is not enough. We need to have energy storage but that's that's another story you know that's another
>> these these are systems that homeowners install themselves. where we're not involving >> certified >> because electrician >> basically hold one panel. It's not that bad. >> I'm talking about those 200
fires, whatever. Cuz not every person who's a handy person is a good >> Well, I think you are an electrician if you're messing with your with your panel. Unless you're, you know, a real do it yourself thing person. >> Let me say once again, you are not touching your panel. You are
>> I thought you'd say that you were. No, no, you're plugging in. >> I was making reference to panel only as a location versus traditional solar system versus the portable. >> Right. So you you you find just power outlet which is near where you want to
have that portable solar and you plug it in >> like under hold on. >> It's just for identifying the particular circuit that >> you want to plug into. >> And this isn't for storage. It's for direct use. So, you've got a panel.
>> Mhm. >> And that panel is plugged into an outlet in your house. >> Yes. >> And how does the p the electricity from this panel get to other to your let's say your refrigerator? >> Yes, it does. Because so we have
two-phase systems, right? So, your typical panel has two rows of breakers, >> right? So when you uh connect somewhere in your home u that system to that power outlet, all appliances that are on that
line uh will be directly fed from it. The excess will go into the breaker and into the entire lag. As long as it's open, you would have to shut it off. But if you shut it off, it's like it's the same
as if you unplug it. the system will stop producing energy because again it has to be live. So all the energy that is in excess will go to all circuits [clears throat] in in that and if if it's still more than the consumption the
excess will be fed into the grid. Okay. And your meter will spin backwards. >> Oh that's always nice. And then >> when the sun is not shining and you need more energy than the system does,
>> it resumes the the regular orientation of that meter. >> Now Stan, I I have a dual meter cuz I got solar on the roof. >> You have the smart meter. >> Yeah, but it's a public service, you know. It has two things. But um and
they're 250 watt panels. They're old and they feed and then at the end of the month the public service has a bank that when I it shows what I put in and what I took out. >> That's right. >> And and during the summer I build up a bank. During the winter it goes down. It
goes to zero and I'm pulling more power out of the grid. >> Right. So >> that's how this works. So that's that's another difference because these systems are large enough that they are very likely to generate surplus during any given month particularly summer month
and the bank is meant so that you it carries to the next one until you use it except for once in a year it resets but that's another one with the portable solar you are supplementing only small portion of your bill so
you pretty much cannot produce lose any excess above and beyond one month. whether there could be some exceptions that you know you go out for the entire month and you may have a little bit of a credit and how the utility would deal
with that I don't know but perhaps because what if if the premise is that you don't have to deal with the get permit from utility one would assume that if you still have access after 10 months it will be for fighted but it's
not a big deal because you are very unlikely to have excess because again you are generating only about 20 to 30% of your energy usage and um you will always need to buy more above and beyond
what the solar system generates >> suppose I get hold of my friend that's a cousin Sterling he's a scientist engineering scientist >> and have him come in and explain how it work because he's doing it >> he's got a
>> I didn't explain it He has a a window cell >> on his window and he's got it plugged in and he's using some of that power. >> That's interesting. >> Cuz that that that kind of helps me with what I uh emailed you, you know, cuz I live in a condo. I don't have a balcony
unit. >> Yeah. >> Clear cuz I can tell I also have that stuff. I have it on my shed. >> Oh, your shed. Okay. >> Yeah. And I have battery there and it's charging by itself. I have wind turbine. uh >> on that sh [clears throat]
>> which generates energy and and it also feeds into the battery. >> So >> I don't know if we have the battery. Have to find out. >> Sounds too good to be true. >> He should >> he should I'll find out. I'll >> talk to him. >> I can actually I know that it's public
meeting and I should be careful what I say. [laughter] But I have a wire such that if in case of emergency I can feed the house from my shed >> for a few hours >> before the battery is dead. >> At which case I take the inverter into
my garage and I hook up my car and then I can run from my car for 2 weeks. >> So anyway, I digress. But uh the the the the solar portable solar is really I'm thinking why we didn't come up with this
idea before >> really because we always think as solar system something that installer has to put on the roof. You don't want to climb your roof because it's dangerous of course but uh hey you know take a one or
few uh solar panels. It's essentially 1200 means up to four panels. Okay. [clears throat] Each of them would have the device. Plug it in. Good to go.
Um together they will have two 1200 but but one of them will be one one quarter 250 at best. >> Uh 300. Okay. >> Good. >> So um
So, okay. So, so uh so that was the technical explanation which thank you for um uh so so what I would suggest um it looks like that we need to study a little bit more. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> That we would maybe have some sort of
resolution uh so that we can recommend that >> our township uh can amend their own ordinance. >> Would the code official have something left? wife. >> I'm sorry. >> Does uh to which extent is it regulated
by township versus the state? >> Well, anything having to Well, there's the state codes. >> Mhm. >> But then locally depending on what it is and it's not in violation of a state statute, uniform code. You then can
>> make your own laws as far as you're talking about permitting. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. as long as you work within the the statutes and unifor uniform codes, >> uh you can you can tweak it and you know the devil's in the details. It's what what are you trying to tweak and is
allowable for municipality under home rule to do that. >> But um I'm sure that uh uh council manager and or attorney will be able to provide you an answer if you send an email requesting one. >> Okay. I would be happy to facilitate
that for you. >> Thank you very much. >> Yeah. >> Um your code official that's end of uh what I wanted to say. Uh still questions. >> Okay. Well, then we'll move on to uh skip the stuff which now is a state
regulation. >> Yes. So the skip the stuff law passed. Um, so yes, now it is an actual loss or a voluntary program is great and they can keep the sticker and we can still have
people use the the stuff we have even though it's if they, you know, if they're participating, they can keep it up. That's fine. We can give it away. But just real quick, um, there's a few little differences. So the first is that eco-friendly alternative utensils and
condiments are exempt from this law. So that is utensils that are designed um that are designed to basically not be discarded after just a single use and are composed of compostable um materials or so that that makes sense
obviously that that is exempt. Um fullervice restaurants now this I thought was interesting full service restaurants have to also provide an option of reusable washable utensils. So, for example, I don't know if anyone has been to um Surf Turf and Earth. It's
in Somerville. It's on Main Street, but they basically have utensils that are it's silverware. It's not plastic. So, they have compostable or they have and then at when you're done eating, it's like a fast casual restaurant. You take your utensils and they have like a bin that you put them in to be washed and
reused. So that's required in the skip the stuff law now is that a fullervice restaurant has to provide on-site customers with access to reusable washable utensils. So that's that's new in there. Interesting. Ted, you'll be interested in this cuz this is something you mentioned that was important is that
online ordering must default to no utensils or condiments, but it can be changed by customers. So that's in the law. So, if you're ordering something on Door Dash or online, it's going to default to no utensils or condiments. And so, you'll go in and if you want it,
say, "I want utensils. I want condiments." Um, the law is effective for restaurants 12 months after the adoption. So, that's in January of next year. Uh, exempt from this important schools, jails, and prisons, healthc care
facilities, and food courts for two years. So food courts are completely exempt for 2 years then they'll come online with the rest of the restaurants. Um but exempt permanently from this are schools, jails and prisons and healthcare facilities.
Uh >> how come up with this? >> Hang on one second. I will tell you let me just finish this. The penalties um any penalties that are collected. So there's fines for people that are for restaurants that are not following this. they get deposited into the clean
communities grant fund. So, I think that's a good thing. Um, one thing that I thought was interesting, if a municipality or county says we will help with the enforcement, like we'll we'll, you know, take part in that enforcement action, then the municipality or county keeps 30% of all the penalties
collected. Um, what else? Um, restaurants can provide stations like Jersey Mike's has with the pl, you know, with the utensils. So, they're not offering you it, but if you have a plastic utensil, Jersey Mike does
it, for example. They can provide a station with the napkins, the condiments, whatever. However, they can't be bundled together. So, you can't have like a bundle of like a napkin, fork, and a knife. It has to be like forks, knife, napkin. Yes. Whatever. >> Um, I think those that's the major parts
of it. Let me just make sure I didn't miss anything. Oh, one last thing. D has to develop an education program within 180 days of the adoption of this. So, D is going to have to come out with posts for social media, flyers,
uh things for restaurants to use, etc. >> Well, they have a new leader now. Maybe he'll push that. >> Yeah. Well, it's required. Yeah, it's required. So, so that is the new Skip the Stuff law since adopted. How does that affect um what we're doing as far as
>> should we still be handing out um our stuff? >> No, we don't have to hand it out still because they're going to be required to do at the restaurants. We do have these decals. So, I mean, if we want to give them out to the restaurants so that when customers come by, they can say, "Oh, yeah, reminder. I I can't get like, you
know, condiments and utensils here unless I ask." I don't have a problem giving them away because otherwise, what are they useful for at this point? But there's no no reason to keep moving forward with it. >> I was at a restaurant this weekend and they threw stuff in my bag and I told
them about the program. Oh, good. And I was going to I didn't have it with me, so I was going to bring it to them. >> Yeah, you can. You can because I think when someone >> Are you going to still put the the restaurant's name on the website? >> Yeah. Well, at this point, I mean, no. only because there's no reason to put their name on the website because
everyone has to comply or you're you're against the >> have to comply but starting when >> oh starting yeah so we can keep doing it until until it's required they have a year so I guess in the meantime in this year if we want to continue it just to so I would say yes keep doing it but
when you talk to restaurants just remind them that we're doing this right now but in one year you're required to comply with this so it's better to get on board >> which restaurant was it >> which restaurant It was >> Hong Kong Gardens. >> Mhm.
>> Okay. >> Oh. Oh, okay. >> So, yeah, I would continue doing it. >> And >> yeah, continue doing it until it's a law. But yeah, >> yeah, I talked to Jersey Mike's on Cedar Grove and uh the other one that the the one down the further on on there, they
say, "Welcome to uh what's it? Mo is the other one." So, >> so this also includes franchises like McDonald's. >> Yeah, sure. >> I thought McDonald's uh I thought didn't they have some kind
of a uh corporate >> Yeah. >> Um >> Yeah. They weren't allowed to sign on to our voluntary program without corporate approval. But now it doesn't matter. Now they're going to have >> I ran into with Jersey Mike. >> Yeah. >> A lot of these are franchises. the
manager you talk to has somebody else that he talks to. >> Yeah. They have corporate policy. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But that's good. So, it's passed and it's done. [snorts] So, >> so um number two on hot topics is the
adoption of the Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan. >> So, the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan has now been adopted. The last version of it was adopted in 2001. um the state has been working on it for at least 20 years of of adopting it.
It's basically a master plan for the state of New Jersey. Now, the one thing I will say is we did review this about six to 8 months ago and we did submit comments on what was out there. The biggest comment we had is that the plan is very aspirational in nature and
doesn't really say, you know, give specific project specific recommendations. The final version is the same. It kind of makes sense because it's for the entire state and it's very hard to apply specific things to all different areas. But I will tell you that 10 areas are
being focused on economic development, housing, infrastructure, revitalization and restructuring, climate change, natural and water resources, pollution and environmental cleanup, historic and scenic resources, equity and comprehensive planning. So I've gone
through the document for the second time now. It hasn't changed much much since the draft. Um some things that pertain to us in particular is climate change. So for example um one of their goals is provide greenhouse gas reduction by encouraging zero emission vehicle fleets
and charging infrastructure which is great but that's like the meat of it. So there's not, you know, specific projects that basically say like in order to reduce greenhouse gas, you should have this percentage of EV or you need this many charging stations per however many
people. That kind of information is not in the plan. Um they recommend that we identify climate change related hazards and plan for mitigation. Um they recommend we mitigate urban heat islands through green infrastructure. So these are very highlevel
kind of aspirational details. It does help municipalities to look and say okay when I'm doing this I should keep these tenants in my mind. Um I am happy to say I went over this with the trails committee and the open space committee. We're doing a lot of this already across
townshipwide. So we really are ahead of the curve which is great. Um there was no equity section in the last uh version of the plan and there is one now. So that's good. Um, and again, this is adopted and it's, you know, being used.
So, if you're interested, I did send out the link in the plan, but you can view the whole plan there. Good. >> So, >> thank you. >> You're welcome. [clears throat] >> Invasive Species Management Act. >> Okay. And another law that passed is the Invasive Species Management Act. Um,
let's see. Okay. So, this passed on January 8th. Um, I'm just going to give you the highlevel part of it. Um, there's a list of prohibited invasive species within the document itself. Some
of the things on there, I'm just going to read some. Autumn olive. We have that at our grassland, one of our grassland. Multifllora rose, that's all over the place. Uh, Japanese clatus, is that it's called? Clatus term flora. Uh, Norway
maple. Japanese wisteria. So they have a list a very small list right now prohibited invasive species that are in there. It says that commencing on the first day of the 13th month next following the effective date of this act. No person shall propagate a
prohibited invasive species act in the state. So basically 13 months from the adoption of this which was January 8th you can't sell or I guess retail these invasive species. Then this is interesting. commencing on the first day
of the 49th month next following the effective date of this act. Um, no persons shall sell, distribute, export or offer or otherwise make available for sale, distribution or exportation a prohibited invasive species of species
or seeds of prohibited invasive species unless you get a conditional use waiver. So, there is a whole section in here that is a waiver that um retailers or landscapers or um farmers I guess can apply for. Um there's going to be
established an invasive species council within the NJD and they'll be in charge of reviewing these requests. Um the council is going to consist of 19 members. One is the uh commissioner of D. Uh one is the secretary of agriculture
who's also from Somerset County. uh one is the state treasurer, commissioner of transportation, commissioner of health, state forester. Then 13 members of the public who are going to be appointed by the governor will be on there. Two of them have to be from environmental
organizations, two from the food and agriculture industry, two from landscaping, two from nursery, two from New Jersey higher education institutions, one from a county park system, one who's involved in urban ecosystems, and one member of the general public with
knowledge or experience of invasive species. So, they've really thought out how this council will be determined. The council is also going to be in charge of reviewing the list and adding prohibited species, you know, as time goes on. Um,
what else do I have here? >> What was the what was the 48 months or 49 months, which is 4 years and 1 month. What? >> Yes. 4 years and 4 years and 1 month from the date of this which is January 8th no one is allowed to sell,
distribute, export or offer or otherwise make available for sale, distribution or exportation of prohibited invasive species or the seeds of the prohibited species >> or are yes it is right but I guess they're given you know things have >> you know use up existing inventory
>> right >> are any of these things trees [clears throat] >> yes because we do look at the trees when we do site review. Norway maple was mentioned. >> Yes, Norway maple is in there. There are some now the list is very small right now. It's going to grow. Um they they
have a whole procedure in here as to how well when making a determination the council shall consider. So when making a determination if something's invasive or not, there's a huge list of what they have to look at. But some of it is the likelihood of the introduction of the species if it's allowed to exist. The
likelihood that it would naturalize if it was introduced. Um what's the magnitude of the potential adverse effect? What's the ability to eradicate or control the spread of the species once it's induced? >> Um bamboo on the list.
>> Uh no bamboo. >> Yes. >> It's not yet. >> Oh my god. Uh each member of that council, by the way, is going to serve three years. Um, and then no later than 12 months after the effective date of this act, the DP has to establish this
council and they have to start working on the actual rules. So the act right now outlines what do you need to do for a conditional use waiver? What what has to happen for something to be added to this list? But D actually has to write out the methodology, write out the
rules, include their sources. So they have a year to do that. Um, this part I thought was interesting. The Department of A and the D shall jointly enforce the provisions of this act. Right? So, right away I'm like, oo, that sounds like it might be difficult
for violations that involve the sale, offer for sale, propagation for sale, or importation of a prohibited invasive plant species or seeds thereof. The Department of A shall assume primary enforcement. For all other violations,
the D shall assume primary enforcement and the amount of the civil penalty. So it sounds to me, if I read that correctly, that department of a is really the first line of enforcement when it comes to this act. And then if they feel like, okay, this is really not
something we can deal with, then D will take over enforcement. Um, and they are able to do a civil administrative penalty of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 for each violation. And that's the invasive species management.
>> I'm just curious cuz you mentioned bamboo. How does bamboo propagate? I thought it propagated underground like ryomes and the law says propagation by seeds >> or maybe it should be extended to say or by other means.
>> I don't know. I don't that maybe that's why it's not on here. >> Is it listed? >> It's not listed. >> All the seeds are listed as a propagation. >> Yes. As a >> because there are lots of uh >> Yeah. Well, maybe that's why it's not Oh, tree of heavens in here. That's good.
>> That that can propagate through roots as well. But says you can't sell them. What we're finding is people developers are finding them somewhere. >> But it's >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Running bamboo is on here. It's the last one. Running bamboo is on there. Yes, it's on. >> That makes sense.
>> It was 30. >> I think it doesn't matter whether it's through [laughter] seeds or some other means. >> No, it doesn't. >> Whatever. >> But they're saying you can't sell the seeds, too. That's that's part of it. Once it goes once it goes into effect, you can also get in trouble for selling the seeds.
>> Yeah. But you cannot sell planted. >> Right. Right. >> Okay. >> So, this is effective. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Okay. >> Old business. Uh well, we thank Ellen
and S for the food composting workshop. Unless you want to add anything to it, the two of you. >> Um so, uh also thank you um Alan for doing this workshop. Uh I had a conversation
with some um uh attendees and um and also based on our issues with the the building being uh locked. We did have that issue before and I raised that question before. >> Uh I was concerned that it will happen
and it did. Um I I don't think that we we can just rely that we'll bring our key, right? >> Because uh we want to make sure that the front and rear door are open because lots of visitors are parking in the parking lot adjacent to the library.
>> They need to have access through any of the back doors. >> Um >> yeah, I think my key only opens the front door, >> right? When it's cold like it was, we cannot expect that people will be >> Yeah. Well, one thing just to to reiterate, so and so you have the key to
get in the door and I had mentioned I couldn't come from the get- go to this um to this food composting workshop. We can't open the door unless one of you guys is in here or I'm in here or somebody's in here because we can't just have like the door open and allow you know what I'm saying.
>> So some whoever has the cake is absolutely can open the door. That's that's the issue. invasive species coming in. >> Mine open the back door. >> Yeah, >> cuz I always come through the front door. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. But I'm the only one that has a key. >> You You have a key. I have a key. Yeah. I mean, we can probably get we probably can ask for a key for Stan. >> I think we vice chair. >> That's not the thing, you know. I mean, I can get a key and just be happy that I
have something in my hand. But uh um I just felt that uh the support was we I we were very lucky that Krista pop up. Okay. But that kind of leads me as a segue to another comment because we we
need to have a checklist for those presentations. And uh one of them is um also um that that the educational committee needs to review the slide deck um of the presenter and and uh make sure that we
are well prepared for it and that that the slide deck is well tailored for the audience. uh because um maybe the way how it was uh presented it would be better to have a panel uh because uh it already sparkles of conversation and
when you have a panel you have that conversation. So for this specific uh uh workshop maybe uh conversation style um like a panel would be better. Um and in case uh that there are some slides being projected we want to make sure that uh
we have a laptop or some sort of device because just to bring um memory stick it's um it's not sufficient. We cannot put a memory stick into the screen. Uh so this is something that has to be listed on the checklist so that we we
are prepared and and the presentation cannot be in a document. It has to be in the deck presentation deck so that you fill the screen um because it was more in um vertical orientation that your your presentation on the the document.
So it needs to be um uh filling the screen. >> Can I just jump in real quick with the laptop? So, so any events we've had before like with Robin or even with Maria doing it, we have to bring our own laptop. Like for example, this is not a township issued laptop. This is my
laptop. So, if you guys are doing a presentation and you need a laptop, you either have to request it or bring your own laptop, >> which is >> same thing with the key. Same thing with the key. If you have a key, you have to bring it to get in the building. >> Yeah. So, so it needs to be part of the
checklist that that we need to make sure that the presenter or someone brings the computer because I wasn't even thinking about it. >> Um um and uh if it's a workshop or maybe even for presentation might be better to
have handouts. I know that handout means paper and even in the environmental commission we just pull we are doing it anyway but uh I've heard somebody said hey why don't you have handouts you know so this is
this is another idea um uh and we want to make sure that the speakers and panelists provide headshot presentation abstract and bio for the introduction so that we have it well nice structure we can uh announce the
the event and whatever is listed in abstract is then matching the content so that uh people uh have the right expectations what to what to listen to. So, so these are my suggestions.
>> Always give email the slide deck right to them. >> You should actually as a follow up. >> Do what? I'm sorry. I'm missing email >> the deck. The presentation deck. >> Oh yeah. >> Okay. >> Um well and another item is making sure
that we have the signup sheet. Um if they don't provide the email address, you will not get the deck, right? So that's that's >> these are all these are all goods that we can come up with a checklist >> prior to after that we can be uniform.
Yeah. The Senate. >> That's good. >> Okay. Good. Okay. See is the annual report. How are we doing that? >> The annual report is done. >> Okay. >> Um I know we reviewed it before. I have everything I need. Um, so I guess the question is can I should I now send it
to the council and see if they want us to come and present it or just send it as an informative item. At this point, what do you prefer? >> We should ask a council member. >> We have our annual report that we do every year for the EC and I normally
send it to the council for review. So if I send it for review with requests that at some point it can be an upcoming meeting because I know budget's coming so it can be further down the road. But do you think the council would like to see a presentation from the EC brief about our annual report?
>> I remember uh I don't know here but I remember sometimes you doing that. >> I personally would like to see >> every committee in town do that. Okay, >> of course we have time limitations, >> but I think any report um
>> that is, you know, I'm just using 10 minutes as a benchmark, >> okay, >> should >> I believe would be uh uh readily uh welcome >> by by council especially um >> because a lot of us,
>> you know, there's so many committees >> and we're aware especially things become legislative in nature, but there's so much that you do quite frankly. that um I believe every council person could benefit by getting a a review like that. Again, I would I would keep it to,
you know, maybe 10 minutes or so. >> Okay. >> And uh sometimes slide, whatever, whatever you're comfortable with. I've seen a variety. We do one with chain tree once a year and it works out pretty well. And it doesn't have to be in the beginning of the year, but usually the first quarters uh probably make sense because then it's a review from last
year and it's up to you. But sometimes then a bullet point list of the things you're working on for this year. >> Got it. >> Okay. And I'm just answering I mean I was here as a member of the public technically. Um I know you're technically without a
uh liaison and uh there was no Hamilton board meeting tonight and I'm intrigued in getting some of these things involve Shade Tree and other committees I'm involved with. So I was very interested in finding out like kind where you guys are going with stuff. But I think that's a great thing. Okay. and um you'll
probably have a liaison appointed soon um and whether them he or her um and if you don't I would happily put it on a council agenda coming up. Uh February is a tough month because there's budget but but uh I I I think u you know early
March would be very practical. >> Perfect. >> For today you are already. [laughter] >> Okay, great. Well, thank you. And if you need >> No, no, honestly, if there was anything else, I'm not here to be leazison. I just if there was any other questions, I could happily answer it relevant to
council. >> Chair is right here on the side. [laughter] >> Thank you so much. >> Yeah. No, that's a that's good. >> Awesome. >> I mean, we he was here. We were talking and then he's not. >> He did well, but that's for us it makes
>> some things happen very fast in government. >> Yes. >> Sometimes. The only other thing just so you know it's actually the next so the next item on our agenda is the creation of a commissioner ameritus which this commission has to do on its own but the one after that is an appointment of a
youth member to the EC. So we were working with Ed with council member Pataznik about potentially um we would love to have a youth member on our EC but it requires a change of the ordinance to do so. And I know the way that council member Pataznik left it off
was that I think he was working with someone on the council or maybe it was a township manager because it would require the allowance to all committees and commission. So I think we that was kind of left up in the air like can we have a youth member? Does everyone have to be able to have a youth member or can
we just have like a youth member attend you know? So, so real quick, years back, I think it was the mayor and I, >> I could be wrong, but initiated that idea of every committee because there were certain ones that wanted them. And I I remember at a council meeting us discussing said we should just have
everyone be allowed. I don't know if we went and made an ordinance change that said every uh now obviously I think zoning and planning can't because you can't be under 18, but anyone that there wasn't a any kind of regulation that prohibited that you'd be allowed to. I
don't know if we did that or we just earmarked a handful of these committees that want them because we do have the health health there's a handful but >> bottom line I'm not sure where Ed left off with that but I would happily uh you know separate from whatever leaison I
can work with them when he or she's appointed but if you want to forward me that I will find out and I think um >> we if it's not already there that you could do it I would happily support an ordinance that uh made it for the
environmental commission or if council felt appropriate a blank [cough] one ser [clears throat] commission but just send me what you have and and I I'll gladly look into it. I think it's a great idea. >> Thank you. Yeah, we have a memo so I'll just forward you that and yeah that would be great because it would just be
we've been wanting to have a youth member because we feel like it kind of like gives us a lot of energy and help and you know so that would be great. >> It's been we've had interns come and sit for a tour. They have. Okay. But not officially. >> Not members. Yeah. >> This is something that's been discussed
for 20 years. >> Yeah. I'm sure. Right. >> Well, if it's not legally allowed, I will do my best to make it legally allowed. And I think it's it's really great um to do that. >> Thank you so much. >> There are environmental clubs in the
schools and that's where we where we would draw from that [clears throat] kind of thing. >> Yeah. Well, I I would uh I mean I'm only one person, but I would suggest it would be open to any Franklin youth. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> Well, whatever the appropriate >> Yeah.
>> lower age would be and then obviously up to 18. >> Yeah, that would be great. Okay. Thank you so much. [clears throat] >> Perfect. >> That takes care of that one. Um why do we have anything else on the old all business as requested by the commissioner?
>> Quick thing on the save the mole. We need to start talking about it, right, for the for this year. Have we have we talked in January? >> Oh yes, you're right. To save the mall, we have to start working on start advertising it soon. >> Yeah, >> okay. Let me put it on the next agenda
for fe or not too late. February 23rd. >> Do we have planned article for the Franklin um times [laughter] >> for Save the Mo? >> Save them all. >> We have last year's article. I could just change the dates. You want me to put that in >> or send it to you?
>> Well, I I would almost make a carbon copy except that make reference that it's one more year that we have been doing it and >> okay >> that it's and then we have the signs
>> and signs. Okay. I will uh I'll look into it and I will get it in there. >> It's kind of uh was it January 31st? It was January 31st, but it's okay. You know, they usually take the >> We have submitted the um what did I submit? The stream cleanup.
>> We submitted the stream cleanup and we submitted uh hang on, let me look here. >> Was it Jenny? She submitted >> Jenny's on um >> was it invasive species? No. >> Let me look and see. Franklin Times >> memory is >> uh maybe it's under EC. We did we
submitted two articles for the Franklin Times. Uh, I'll have to let me go in my email and find it. I while you guys are talking, I'll find it. >> Yeah. So, we have already two um contributions to Franklin Times. Yeah,
>> we do. Yes. Franklin Times. >> They publish three times a year now, right? >> No, four. >> They try to do four. Here's from the Environmental Commission. Which one is this article from Jenny? Oh, about skip the stuff. Oh. Oh, no. And then we withdrew it because it was about the
EC's skip the stuff program. It was on the voluntary. >> So, that one will be out. Yeah. And then your article, Stan, on um >> Oh, this is the the other one. But we did submit yours on the stream cleanup, too. And the trail. Here we go. Stream cleanup. Trails advisory submitted. So,
we can submit something from uh on the save the mo. That's a good idea, E. We can do that. Okay. >> Yep. >> We can do that. >> So, then at this point, >> picture >> for Save the Mo. I have some from last year. So, yeah. Yep. Okay, we've we've
just had some of this, but I'll entertain a motion to open the floor for public comment. >> So, move now. I >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Second public comment, right? >> Did we finish all all business? >> Yeah. Yeah, we did. >> Yeah. >> Okay. [laughter]
>> Any anybody? >> I'm sorry. >> Any comments you want to make? >> Uh, no. I'm sorry. It seemed like I got here late and I was happy to get the uh email today. Oh, >> but you said the meeting started at 7:30. >> Should that be? It should be 7:30.
>> Seemed like I was late, but I got here at 7:30. >> Sorry about that. >> I assumed it was at 7, but when I got the email, it said 7:30. >> We'll have to fix that sometime by my
7:00 so I don't forget >> today. You got the email today. >> Today? Yes. >> From Nixel. from Nixl. Mine says seven, but it could have just been a miss. So, don't worry about it. You didn't miss anything. You're good. [laughter] You're okay.
>> Have you seen Dixie? >> Oh, not from Nixon? >> No. >> I didn't send anything out. [laughter] >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> So, real quick, as a Well, obviously I'm a council member, but as a member of the public or a council member, I I'm glad
to see the leaf blower uh ordinance going forward, and I think it is a great idea. I mean to have people because uh often um anybody who's getting regulated obviously gets worried and >> pushes back. So to have as my opinion to
have as many >> people who can uh represent the transition from uh gas to electric >> for I I don't know the whole ordinance but that's just specific to leaf blowers what I understand is not a big task from
the research I've done. So, I think it's great to have um people who can best >> I don't want to say argue the argument for you, but but can show that it can happen in a reasonable way. And and I I don't know your the details of it, but I
know I've discussed with Arie and other people. I look forward to the town uh uh passing the ordinance that >> reasonably, you know, being reasonable to the landscapers, uh this allows for the bulk of the year anyway. gas power and putting aside anything
with fossil fuel, which obviously is important, the noise and the air pollution long before >> the understandable rush to minimize fossil fuel usage, even if that wasn't an issue, the air and noise pollution,
you know, all over town, but especially areas that I represent and travel around where properties are very close together is a horrible thing for everybody from infants to anybody. So anyway, I I'm glad I look forward to it and would be an advocate of it. Of course, good.
>> There may be certain things I we want to tweak, but >> the body of nine of us will will hopefully do that and get something on the books. And the other thing I just want to mention, >> if I could just touch on what you're talking about before you subject, >> I only have five minutes. >> I don't know if you were here in the beginning when we talked about it that
we're hoping for our next meeting. >> Yeah, that's what I caught that conversation, >> right? And I Okay. And then and Stan made the suggest. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. No, that's why I was I just wanted to comment. I was very intrigued with the conversation. Matter of fact, I think >> I didn't know if you would hear for that >> when I came I think that's when I came
in. >> And then the one other thing it's I'm glad you brought it up. Um [clears throat] seems like the BPU can't even influence our power companies. But putting aside that part of the conversation, uh, I've been doing
research on the lighting and some of these lights that are just going up everywhere, street lights, etc., with no lenses or filters or or globes, whatever you call it. And haphazardly, I'm a proponent of the amber light uh, for
many reasons. Some were discussed tonight. And there's just no no rhyme or reason or consistency where all of a sudden you're driving and like any normal person would be, you know, I'm not blinded but caught off guard with some of these lights that just pop up that are like that. So the light
pollution but also the safety and it's I think leaves you mentioned the police even. There's studies shown. So whatever can be done, I don't know if anybody can have any control over these utility companies. Uh but seriously, I I would
be happy to um to uh fight for that via any legislation our home rule allows even if it's just a resolution asking them to review it or some state agency to look deeper into it because unfortunately the DPU just doesn't seem to effective. Anyway,
>> we were trying to get the the utilities to go to LEDs to lessen the energy pool that that township gets. >> And we we talked to the BPU. We sent letters and supposedly something's happening. But we haven't heard it's not just LED. It's the type of light.
>> But if you change the color, >> the color, you don't know all you're right. And and uh but again, I I applaud that. I've never heard it brought up and would be happy to uh uh assist in that >> fight to
have better lighting safer and the light pollution it's just >> absolutely well if you want to come to our next meeting the the dark skies ambassador will be here and he has a great presentation so yeah >> if you need a campaign manager to become
the the uh leaison to the committee let us Yes, there you go. >> Thank you so much. >> I I appreciate your efforts. They're hot topics that are probably long overdue and I love our state, but waiting for state government is kind of like waiting to win the win the lottery.
>> Right. Right. >> I'll close on that. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate your time. >> I think Governor Cheryl has said things about trying to speed up say government approvals. See
greased. >> You have anything you want to add? >> So then enter a motion to close. >> So move. >> Okay. >> I last on the list is to call for adjournment. >> Uh it's a little early. >> I'm sorry. Can I say one quick thing
before we I'm sorry. Don't forget that our meeting is not on the >> 17th. Is that the right day? What's day? 2 [clears throat] 16th. It's the 23rd because of President's Day. >> President's Day. >> So, it's not everyone here too. It's not the third Tuesday this month. It's the
fourth. I'm sorry, not Tuesday. It's not the third Monday. It's the fourth Monday. February 23rd. >> February 23rd. I will let everyone know, but just remember