Franklin Township Environmental Commission is pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law meeting of May 4th 20.6 Six was included in a list of meetings noted sent advertised and local newspapers posted on both
parties posted on the municipal website and remain continuously posted as required notice under the statute. In addition, a copy of this notice is and has been available to the folder and is on file in the office of the municipal clerk.
>> Okay. Roll call. Walter Andrews >> here. >> Hey Chase >> here. >> Picky >> here. >> Ellen, >> yes. >> Stan >> here. >> Arnold >> here. >> Maria
>> here. >> Me and Easy is not here. Okay. And the councilman is not here either. >> Okay. >> Okay. My uh >> opening block for next. two things. Um, it's in big print. It's
not that long. >> Okay. Um, I want to mention that the town council presented the environmental commission with a proclamation recognizing Earth Day and the work done by the community to recognize this
event. Here is the proclamation. I'll read it later. Ted Chase and I received it on behalf of the commission. In my remarks, I recognized all the other groups within our community, not just the commission that have contributed to furing the goals of Earth Day. I thank
the Chaita tree commission, the open space commission, the town council, the DPW, the planning board, and the 60 or so people that showed up at our annual stream cleanup at Sellesbrook. I want to let the commission know that last last meeting's presentation by
Sterling Clyburn on indoor solar has had interesting results. A meeting is planned for May 11th at the Canal Walk involving Kiki and myself, Councilwoman Sheper Uden, the management and board of the Enclave Enclave condo association at
Canalw Walk, Sterling Clyurn, our speaker, the high school science teacher David Bley, I think, and the nature and environmental club at Canal Walk and the Canal Walk HOA. The meeting will explore possibilities of getting indoor solar as
people that will use in canal walk. We've got 11 buildings that are condos and they have no access to solar other than to charge their cars with the community solar thing. >> I mean, they only own the inside of the building. But if that's like where I
live inside the into the apartments, then they can charge their car and um and what phones, whatever. So they picked it up. We're going to have have this meeting. >> I want to see how that works. >> Both associations um going I got I got
12 people in the boardroom. Um we will we'll probably tape it. I know. But um St. Strong's gonna bring his uh his slides and um David the high school teacher is probably going to bring his charger because I I've been emailing
with with him a little bit. But um what we see this is a beginning of something bigger. >> Yes. because Somerset Run and Renaissance your develop these are all prime you know and what we're seeing um
somebody mentioned when I told him oh the our HOA board guy that's going to be at the meeting I need him because he can hook CL um Sterling stuff to the computer that we have in the room but I need a board to run it anyway he said he just heard that Costco is pushing indoor
solar >> so that's really get to be main street. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Let you It's one of my remarks. You do it. >> No, I just want to add to everything you said that um
it these type of solar because of their size and the portability. Uh they they are perfect for people in apartments and condos. However, their portability makes them a
good option for even for people who live in in private homes. Let's say I I don't want to invest in in uh rooftop solar panels or I have solar panels on my roof, but I like camping. So when you go
when you go online, one of the major ways they advertise these uh these solar uh cells are for people who are outdoors. >> That's exactly what the high school teacher was telling us to table.
>> Yes. >> Camping. He he had one was about this big and it folded like the one that Sterling mentioned. >> Oh, how heavy. charger was about yay big and it had uh USB plug or regular plugs all that kind of stuff. >> How heavy is it? Do you know? >> I didn't pick it up.
>> They're lightweight. Light. Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean know once you go online and you search cuz right after the presentation here I went and and I already got my little uh I didn't bring it. I should have uh phone charger which
is the size of this and it's right now it was sitting all afternoon on my window sill >> uh charging because today the sun was really good. >> What did What did the little cell cost you? >> Uh 25 >> 25. >> It wasn't terrible. >> No, it's doable.
>> No, not at all. And I can use it to charge my laptop and my phone. >> You know, it's my mini experiment. And if that works, then I'm going to move to the to the bigger. Right. Right. >> Just out of curiosity, where where are
the these chargers, these panels? Are they made in this country? Are they made in China? Where are they made? >> Yeah, >> the one that I got was made you you find that um I think there are enough companies in the US that are producing them, but I wouldn't be surprised if you
got quite a few uh made in China. These are also things that can be used if you're traveling. Say if you're traveling to Europe or something, you can use them there or wherever else in the world. >> Applications. It really does. >> But if you go to Europe, the sunshine is
not American. It's European. >> European. And if you see here, the sunshine is truly American. >> You you make you make an excellent point. Yes. It's I I can't get back on TV. Never would have thought of that.
>> They have different years to recharge my hearing aids. >> Well, that's what that's what my friend was saying. >> You know, the scanner >> that you know, >> regardless of where the cells are made, the sunshine will be always America. >> Just like the wind. >> Can we quote you on that?
>> Just to get this on the record, I'm going to read the proclamation. So, because since a lot of you weren't there, we're >> I'm sorry. I should have passed invited passed this on to everyone, but I just got a personal
>> notification from Councilman Ambara. >> Well, you were a council member yourself, so >> yeah, we were standing together. >> It's understandable. >> Yeah. >> It says, >> "No worries. >> Proclamation Earth Day 2026. Whereas Earth Day is celebrated each year on
April 22nd as a global reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural environment and to present to present and future generations. And whereas the township of Franklin is blessed with beautiful parks, open spaces, and natural resources that contribute to the health
and well-being and quality of life of all who call this community home. And whereas Franklin Township residents, businesses, and organizations have demonstrated a strong commitment to environment stewardship through recycling, conservation, and community cleanup efforts. And whereas
safeguarding our environment requires ongoing education, cooperation, and action at every level of government and throughout our community. Whereas the mayor and town council, township of council wish to recognize Earth Day 2026 and encourage all residents to take
meaningful steps to a cleaner and greener and more sustainable Franklin Township. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and township council at Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey, that April 22nd, 2026 is here by a designated
Earth Day in the Township of Franklin. and all residents are encouraged to participate in Earth Day activities and to embrace sustainable practices that will benefit our community and our planet. Signed by Rahm Humberson and Phil Kramer.
>> So this is on the record that we have it here. >> So you didn't have to write it down. >> You should frame it in a similar one last year, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we did. I think >> I think it's the same exact one just different. Yeah, >> it's the same one. I didn't read it last
year. >> Okay, very good. So, um the next thing after that long- winded start is approval of the minutes of the 2026 meeting. >> We'll move second. I >> I just noticed uh I don't know if it's
still time to >> Yes. make corrections, but um I should have noticed the first time when I read them at home, but um the green fair, it wasn't just Paul and and me who were
there. Actually, >> Stan came. >> Yeah, >> he stayed the whole three hours. >> He stayed the whole time. So >> um so we should um include his name
>> and that I it just my eyes just went there and I >> Yeah. >> Good. It was a big help. We really >> Absolutely. Yeah, >> we we did give out um a lot of the nightlights and some and we talked to
people and um it was it was a good was a good effort >> and many of them played the game. >> Yeah, we had the the dice game and a lot of them would come out to the basement and you know had we pasted that on the wall and they would pick out which which
door which room it was and then we you know >> So you played the game of one dice? >> No, we had two. I found another one. I found one in my garage. >> I found the other one. >> Since we are talking about attributions, do we have mentioned that Maria was at
the >> other school? >> At the other school at the same time. >> Oh, no. It's not here. But I thought we were going to put it in this. >> Oh, that's right. Because you were not >> I want to report it today. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But but she was we have good representation throughout
>> three events in in one week. We have your event, then we have the Elizabeth school event, and then we have the Thomas Edison smart energy school event. That's right. >> We we and the tables. Everything worked fine. We had all the stuff in Walter's garage and we used And we gave out some
literature as well. >> I didn't need any uh I used um remember to keep the stuff uh props. I put them on tables. I put the the the cards. >> Oh, yeah. like the business cards and I
use my tablet and I put different for that's what I need. That's it. >> Oh, that was good. >> It was okay. I didn't anything. >> There was a lady last year that uh she had a PhD in climatology last year. I don't know if she came back this time.
She had mentioned Yeah, she had two kids there. Yeah. I I went to the other one to the Thomas Edison that harass. >> Oh, Edison to the that the charter school being um fair that they have a fair at the same
time. >> So we were represented well. >> Where was the other one? >> Well, Thomas Edison >> energy uh chart uh school.
We had a table and um and they gave me two minutes to talk about two three minutes. So I focus what the environmental commission does and to email us. >> Yeah, we we got some we got I think we
got four email addresses also people that signed up. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And and we network too. I mean the teacher from the science class That's why yeah he was we just walked >> when Shea came in then we went over to there and that was that's when the idea
came that we but she wanted to hold the meeting right away >> she got very excited >> you know we found a date and got that arranged >> I think we got 12 of us just we'll just about fit in the boardroom >> I know I know
>> I I if I could say I mean I'm trying to get to more of these events and I have to say I don't know what's going on with my brain here. But uh I there was a steam steam event at the middle school. I went there on Friday and I thought maybe you'd be there. No, you weren't.
But I walked around the school. I was kind of impressed. >> It was Thursday. I I sent you the information. It was Thursday. >> Oh, well, I went the wrong day, but it was still ongoing and I spoke to some very nice people. And uh I just got to
get my calendar coordinated with yours cuz I'm trying to get >> what my calendar looks like for May. >> Oh my god. >> I mean I have a calendar but I have my women's group. I have 4 judging coming up and I use different colored highlighters and somehow I I didn't get
it on the calendar right but I'm trying. >> Okay. So Ted, you got the changes. We'll set. So we'll we'll approve the minutes with the addition. Could I include Alan's attempt? >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> You're being noted.
>> Oh, for what? >> Attempting to to >> attempting I'm I'm trying to work. >> Okay. >> I was impressed with what I saw there. We You know, you weren't there tableabling, but I was impressed. And I always talk to kids and when I see a
little girl or something, I always go, "Women love science." >> Who went Thursday? Thursday. >> No, >> nobody went Thursday. >> No, we didn't. >> We were Saturday. >> Oh, and I went Friday. >> Oh, so nobody went Thursday. >> You have gone. You were not there. >> Well, I was just impressed with what I
saw that it was a multi-day and >> Okay. So, all in favor of the modified minutes, >> I I >> Yes. Okay. Minutes are accepted. Open motion to open the floor to public comment. So
second favor. >> You got anything you want to add? >> Okay. >> Motion to close. Second. >> That was a busy day for you too. >> Yeah. >> Thomas Edison.
>> He's everywhere. >> Okay. So, we'll close the floor for public comment. Correspondence. >> No correspondence on my end here. I don't know if anyone else has >> I didn't get to the mailbox this this week. >> Um, and there's no site plans.
>> There's no site plans up on site plans. Yes. >> Wendy eight or seven. >> You can make a note. He's disappointed. No sight. I'm sure we're going to get hammered with them at some point, but as I said, we're in good shape.
>> It hasn't been Just be careful what you >> I know. Oh my god. >> We might get a data center. >> Oh no. >> Oh no. Really? Oh my goodness. Have you heard any council pass something against
data centering them to have on-site solar or onsite? >> They generate maybe put them in their >> solar system in this area is not great
because we got a lot of industry on public power and when we looked at solar for canal walk we had to go to public service and see did they have we were thinking about a parking lot solar >> we had to go to public service did they have enough capacity to take us and they
said right now we do but you know now they're they're thinking again building solar in one of our radention bases. >> Capacity is tight. >> By the way, are your members
some of them regret that they didn't approve the solar system now? And >> I don't know. >> Energy is higher. >> No, it's Well, maybe. Yeah, the bills are going up. >> Nobody's asking, I guess. >> We we um a new committee has been formed >> with the board to see about one for one
of our retention bases. I'm not on the I'm not on that committee at this time. Has there been any discussion, and I don't know if this is an answer to the situation, of anybody that wants to build one of these centers
>> having their own um power generating station within their property >> that would be self-contained >> and it would be their electricity that only they would have to pay for would not be paid for by anybody in
>> there talk about that in the literature. Yeah, >> of course. Then you get the question of air pollution by the ex. >> That's what >> Well, but that would be something that would have to be regulated by the D. >> That's what the starship ordinance was
that uh they cannot have fossil fuel generators. >> Did they pass that ordinance? >> It was passed. >> Oh, it passed. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, I remember. >> Yeah, >> I remember something on that effect. >> Yeah, it passed. So that limits that limits.
>> We do have an center before the >> end of Howard Avenue was built before >> it's been here for a while. >> Many years I don't know at least 10 years. >> It's not an AI center at this point.
It's just a data center. >> Yeah. So I think there is a big difference between you know like the warehouses the warehouses of 20 years ago were smaller and much uh you know one one
level uh now >> they operated 8 to5 maybe right >> right now these are fulfillment >> exactly fulfillment so >> and the the data center with compared to
the today's AI center, I'm sure, is much smaller. >> Yeah. >> And and probably uh uses much less energy, right? So the sheer size, like you said, the pollution and all that, but everything is just all the bigger,
>> right? So >> you didn't list anything for new business. >> There's a bill about that, the clean energy sources. There are three bills that are coming up uh to control artificial intelligence. Oh wow. The state level.
>> Yeah. The 680. >> Read some science fiction books. Come on. >> 680. >> Herbert Russell Legwin. Come on. >> 6181 and 731. >> Good. So that's for controlling AI. She's saying
>> one is for that if they use um electricity has to be from clean energy sources. The other one is to control um to make sure that the taxpayers
don't afford the cost. Um >> I can't see it right now because I don't have >> Wi-Fi or >> Yeah, but okay. And then there's another one. on the bill. This one is
se they have to submit a semianual water and energy usage reports to BPW. I mean to BPU that's another bill. >> Another bill. >> Another bill. Yeah. They're trying to put their clothes on. >> Is Joe Danielson sponsor on any of those
or ra um And there's one from M that says um that they want some done for for 10 years for after 10 years what's going to happen.
That was my question. Okay, you control it for 10 years but then then after those 10 years what is going to happen next? Um concerning water and energy usage at data center. Okay, that's the that's the one I I just said. Then the
other one 680. This is from Bob Miz and Mcken. Requires energy uses plan for proposed artificial intelligence data centers. Requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers
uh to be derived from clean energy sources. Those are you know they have to get approved and go by committees, right? >> Oh yeah, I see their article you're looking at. Yeah, >> they're like three S379.
Yeah. Uh require data center operators to submit detailed reports on their energy and water use to BPU twice a year for 3 years. That bill passed the Senate in March. It's now the assembly. >> I guess there's a lot of cooling water.
>> Then they have one from banning data center developers from using non-disclosure agreements with local officials. The agreement with planning boards where municipal agencies often hide project details. Then there's about the cleaner energy
use which is S680 requires AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to get energy from clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydro power, geothermal or new nuclear. Uh let's see. I think the other bills
were at the top. Let me see. Um, and then this one was >> in the Senate. >> Look at how much New Jersey residents pay to power >> for a minimum of 10 years. You see, that's >> tariffs for large load data centers or
facilities that use 100 megawatts or more. Under the proposal, those facilities will have to pay at least 85% of the electricity they require they request for 10 years. So, yeah. Interesting.
We can keep an eye on those. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Good. >> Okay. That's our any committee reports any >> um well if you're already there uh I
just wanted to give update about um some of the messages that I reported last time on u being uh I saw you >> so um Heather looked in another person
>> pedicure look. >> She looked in another person into conversation. Uh it's uh I'm thinking it better. Um
and um um um Mike Orsini, he brought it to the planning board and uh um Mike Mark Healey uh made inspection of uh the area uh the parking
lot at the Rutgers Plaza behind um Stop and Shop and he concluded that um that he doesn't have a basis to ask the developer to raise the fans. Uh I've made visit as well and I realized that
in the corner of the property that is adjacent to I think it's called Franklin uh the the residential multunicip property that it's just south of uh the RAR plaza >> right
>> and at that corner where you have um the the fence the section of fence is actually missing And uh there is a kind of naturally made uh pathways through uh for pedestrians
which I I I'm in big support because every time we can we should support uh pedestrian walkways but uh that area um has some extra litter because it serves as an invitation for some folks to to
later. And I wanted to suggest that uh I don't know who would cover it but uh I would rather make more formal walkway and make a fence uh such a way that it does not have open entry into that area
that we were cleaning. That that's where um what I noticed. understand that you get a lot of uh stop and short shop carts in there. >> Um so let me trace back. So one of the
arguments that Mark Healey mentioned was that it's unlikely that any uh of these cards would be thrown over the fence uh suggesting that they were brought in through a round. uh which um I'm not going to argue
um but to answer your question uh I did not find abandoned um um >> shopping carts >> shopping carts near the fence on either side but there was a garbage that I found not shopping carts but uh small
parts garbage on behind the fence right behind the fence but but not beh not not in the section of fence that is just behind stop and shop because behind stop and shop the the area is more like um
service area. Nobody's really going there but it is more south towards the um the there is this uh gym. How is this >> crush
>> crunch? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Crunch. So, so on that side, uh, uh, it is more exposed to public. So, some vehicles are parked there. But anyway, just behind the fence. I took photos. I didn't share it yet. But, uh,
um, I'm not going to fight and and say that the the fence has to be raised or something because that's it's not really um, perfect solution. But but we need to keep the the
conversation about it and monitored but but I would really suggest that somebody will uh take it to the next level to make formal ven walkway. So >> based on what you're saying,
and I'm not fully aware of the situation, would it be would it be beneficial to add some uh dumpsters back there where people could deposit their waste in those
dumpsters to be picked up rather than um people just throwing their stuff around. Um, and there would be dumpsters for them to to put it in there, you know, hopefully the people instead of just throwing them over the edge and around,
there would be a dumpster there. And um if there was a place, not that it sounds like there's many carts, but if there was a place for them, you know how you have in shopping centers where you take your carts that you've used and you put it in a place and in that slot and then
they come back and the stop and shop or shop, right? They come and collect them. Would it be beneficial to add a place like that for people to put their carts there? Now, by doing that, you're
encouraging people >> Yes. >> to put to put their >> because they think that somebody will pick it up. Yeah. >> Right. >> Um but they're going to do they're going to do it anyway. Um, however, would it be beneficial to to to have a place like
that where the the store would know that >> instead of them being dumped over or junked somewhere, this is where they would go to? In a way, it's a customer service thing. >> You think that's a benefit? >> Oh, so it would be uh paid by the store.
>> Yes. >> Yeah. That's what >> that might be the sticking point. you get >> well it's a matter of >> it's a matter of paid by paid for by the store where they you know I don't know how much it would cost to build something like that and then they
>> pick up there would be the ongoing expense >> for the for the store to come back and pick them up however >> how much does it cost for them to th to to lose the use of them because people either take them home >> hundreds of dollars
>> and dump them over the edge and would take them out of the neighborhood and never get them back. >> Could be it could be a pilot program to see if something like that works. >> Perhaps, you know, app propo of the
missing fence and possible public walkway into Franklin Greens. There are ways you can set something up that pedestrians can walk through, but you couldn't get a cart through. Uh that's interesting. Um
>> that's just a question of posts >> cards are not particularly wide. Um, you know that some of them are already >> well but if they're not Yeah, I understand the reason for not having
them wide enough to get their cards through to to dissuade people from getting them through there. But in a way it's it's making it more difficult for their
people for their um patrons to do their shopping. And if they were able to get their carts through and then they had a place where they could leave them in a in a slot where like they have in their parking lots and then this the
uh shop stop right shop right or whoever would know where they would be to pick them up. I I don't know if this is, you know, whether the stores would be willing to do something like this. Again, a pilot program to see how something like this
would work out. Would it work out to the benefit of the stores? Would it work out to the benefit of the environment? Um, I don't know. I think that we do not have that issue because I did not see abandoned shopping carts in that area
because if if that that would be the case, people would probably use the carts uh take the and and move everything else with with their foot. But um but I I if somebody wants to kind of see this is the view from this
Franklin Greens. If if it starts dimming up, touch the screen so that it does not lock. >> Right. >> And uh on on the far back, you you can see actually the entrance to uh to the other area. >> Actually, the stores will have data on
whether they're losing carts or not. >> Oh, that's true. >> Because they pay for them and they'll do an inventory and they know whether they've lost any significant number of carts over years. >> Maybe if they keep annual uh because they got to buy it's it's an
expense to buy a new car. >> So that's not something you just let >> Yeah, I know. You know, I'm sure the store >> officially do not want anybody to take the carts off the site. There were some >> Thank you. When I see
>> have a thing on the cart where it buzzes if you there's like an electric fence >> around the store and if you go past that either locks up the cart or it starts beeping. >> Yes, I've seen the lockup parts. Yes, that I've seen it.
>> So, um I think we've looked at these uh hot topics that Oh, this is this. Okay. Oh, yeah. Oh, that's the fence. works as if it would not be the only car. I don't think you get a car through there. >> At this point, it's not because the this this section of fence has that metal
metal section. >> Yes. >> The the card the cart that they picked out with entirely rusted been here for a long long time. >> So, so there is a pathway through there. And uh it's it's good to have pathway
because uh if if people can walk to store versus driving it everybody wins, you know. So >> wait a minute. But that that Aldi commercial I I've been to Aldi once. I wasn't thrilled. But they have a thing with their carts. You put a quarter in,
you get your cart cuz that's on the commercial. And then when you bring your cart back, you get your quarter back. >> We would get some Americans to do it. This is Europeans. >> I have to report something. >> Oh, go ahead.
>> I re received a response from Carara Holer, the sixth grade literacy special education teacher from Franklin Middle School and um that they are interested in partnering with us uh to
show the film screaming, the screening that we mentioned before. I forgot the title. >> It has a >> Oh, it has a fair. >> It has a very bad >> about choices or multiple choices.
>> Multiple choices. >> Uh, email her again cuz giving her um more information that we would like to have a show it in the school. um if they would think it may will be a good time for showing it or in
the fall. I know they're winding down now the school year. They're working probably on grades, graduation, and all of that. Um uh if May was convenient and um and also to create a brief program where their
teachers or some of their teachers and some of experts here can make like a little panel discussion with the parents. I haven't heard from her after that. >> May might be a little bit uh too much. I I would say if they can do June before
before they dismiss for the year. >> So I I expect to hear from her. So it's from Sam JMid Middle School. >> I can make this. >> And by the way, we secured the license. >> You did? Yeah.
>> Yeah. We completed the online. So we have the license to show the film. Why? >> Oh wow. >> What is the main topic of this school choices? >> How many? What? >> What is the topic? >> Okay. The topic is about um giving the
students the opportunity to not only learn theory in school and like the high school but to practice this with trades but but includes also the green the green um I would say standard industry into um it has to do with
vocational >> vocational too >> vocational but not really vocational because it's for example teaching a kid a student fractions with culinary arts or um showing them welding or chemistry with welding. But but part of that has
to be with um how it tied with us is because we are including the green standards, the green economy standards. So >> June is difficult because school and the end of school and all but see what
happens. So the film would be shown at schools in Franklin, >> middle school specifically, >> the middle school, >> specifically middle school, but we would be advertising it across the entire district so that uh children from a high school would also come because they have
large enough auditorium. >> The theme cover sustainability green and also um options for students when they go to high school. Thank you. Good. Good. Um, so now we're up to old business. The
commissioner the commissioner Merida's committee. >> So I'm still Yeah. Nothing. I'm still trying to get more responses. So I have three responses as of right now. >> I uh met uh Reswan Rosani. She confirmed receiving the invitation.
>> I met her on uh Mayday. >> Mayday. Well, I attended two of those in I met her in in Bridgewater and and I told her that it would be great if she could uh accept the invitation. >> So, um
>> Okay, good. >> I I may follow up with the email or but um >> Okay. I haven't gotten that yet, but yes, that would be awesome. So, yeah. >> She's still running the environmental website that she had. Uh she is uh doing
another one. >> It's the one that she was doing the footprints for wings. >> Uh she's not doing it now, but she's doing another one. She said the name and I forgot. Jessica, you know. >> Yeah, we we had her talk at another
meeting. She has relatives in Iran. >> Yeah, she has. >> She called she spoke to she got through to some of them and it's difficult. So this is the ameritus committee. Can you um >> how does she fit in the >> What is the status of the ameritus
committee? >> There's no status as of yet. So we've invited um Ted gave me the list of people and we invited them. But I've gotten three responses back. So we're not going to convene a committee until I get more responses. >> Those three people,
>> Jessica, Robin, Diane. What is the minimum that you kind of want to see? >> Five. >> I would say five. >> Yeah, five. At least five or six. >> And once once if >> and when we establish an ameritus
committee, >> what is their um >> purpose? >> Purpose. Yes. >> Um I mean basically just to kind of keep them updated as to what's going on. they can provide any feedback, guidance, suggestions if we have any projects that
maybe they want to volunteer on. Um, but they would only be I mean the meetings would only be my understanding is quarterly. That's the idea right now. M >> it's also a way uh how uh someone who used to be member here
um and feels no longer um committed uh they can still stay in touch with us. >> Um and um contribute in at their leisure pretty much as they feel fit and and they can also meet virtually unlike us.
>> This is kind of >> virtually >> separate from Yes. when they have meeting, they can have meetings as they wish. >> So, I'm not saying I'm not saying that I'm against this. I mean, sounds like a good endeavor.
>> Um, we debated it before. So, I'm >> I thought we debated it before whether we are for or against. So, >> okay. Well, like I was saying, I'm not saying I'm for against it, whichever it is. But what is the benefit of having this
ameritus committee versus just them being an outside group and getting together and then reporting to us? Why is it become why does it become a part of our official um program? I don't think that they have
the I don't want to say that they don't have the capability of meeting of like doing that on their own, but they kind of need us to filter to them what's going on and like any requests for guidance or feedback that we might have like they won't inherently know that. >> So I think that's really why it becomes
like on us to convene them. I think the benefit to us is you know they have like some institutional knowledge. Yeah. That might kind of help us. You know, >> I I send the the minutes. >> I try to send them the minutes. Yeah. >> Sometimes. >> Now, do you send them the minutes just
to the people on the ameritus committee or other people? You got three people, but there are plenty of other people that have been >> Well, I've been sending them to all of the the former members for whom I have email
addresses and >> seven >> without any any formal uh you know but but this this in itself is acknowledging >> that the group group of people who used
to work here and we're still acknowledging that you know hey by the way this is what we are doing and I think giving them opportunity to give us feedback is is is next step >> maybe we could call this a pilot program
you know take it for a test drive >> Robin is doing work on a national scale going to try to and learning what she's doing could be very important as well >> because she's working with major insurance companies to try and get them
to ensure resiliency and such because it'll save them money, but they need the funds to get those things built. >> Her brain. >> Yeah. There's an organization called Siri C E R E S which is the Greek goddess of
>> I don't know >> sustainability >> but and this organization focuses on getting major corporations to become sustainable >> and they started something on I got a
notice they were starting something on insurance companies. So I passed this on to Robin and yes, she's going to uh something about this. >> Yeah, that was good. >> Oh, great. Sick Robin on them. But I
think the the point to me the point of having a somewhat formal commissioners am ameritus committee is that if they get together
even by Zoom and discuss things they may come up with uh more thought out better ideas than just individuals would. Yes.
>> Discuss them and see what happens for >> Yeah, I'll keep up on it. So, >> I'm sorry. Did you skip over hot topics? >> No, that's that's where we are. Hot topics would be >> No, we we're talked about hot topics already when we were doing the bills. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Well, I had two. I don't know. >> Okay. >> Real quickly. >> Let's let's do that. >> Yeah. I'm only mailing this for the watershed institute and they are having a um a conference on the 8th and you know they are arguing that um
um municipalities or built what they call it rebuilding uh streams and and things of that nature and that the typical goto is a poor cement and green infrastructure.
And they are arguing that you might get more bang for your butt buck if you do a wetland restoration or stream bank restoration and restoration of repairing uh lands and they're going to have a debate on that. >> Okay.
>> They have a couple experts from uh Princeton Hydro and somebody from the institute and somebody else. But um these other approaches to stream restorations to I guess prevent flooding
or control flooding. Um their arguments that wetland restoration and repairing lands as well as um >> you know some of the other things might be more might bear more fruit. But
>> that's an interesting argument. Yeah. >> Are you talking about planting trees and doing these restorations specifically in Franklin Township? >> Yeah, I think so. I think that's what they're talking about. Yeah. >> What's the date of that? It's a
>> uh Yeah, you can join by Zoom. Um they want a small donation, but uh >> it sounds like a good uh good event. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Do we have the uh >> the other concrete? But yeah, the link. >> Yeah. the um >> events
>> wershed institute. Yeah. >> Yeah. May 8th we're going to be in Ocean City, New Jersey watching my granddaughter. >> He's right there. Three restoration. >> Oh yeah. There we go. >> So it's free. Yeah. But it requires registration.
Bless you. I'll send the It's virtual. >> Yeah. >> It is the 8th at noon. I'll send the link around. >> Yes, please. >> Okay. Go ahead, Walter. What was your other >> The other one was the governor just issued about $25 million in grants for
litter cleanup. Um >> did we did we hear something like that last year from the other governor? >> I don't think so. >> 25 million for litter cleanup. >> Are we interested in that? >> That's the one.
>> The clean communities fund. Yeah, I think that's through the clean is that through the clean communities fund, you know? >> Probably not. >> I think it is. >> Yeah, right around this time of year is when that funding gets released and so it's doled out to all municipalities and you can use it for litter cleanup and
for like supplies you need for cleanup days and things like that. So, yeah, >> they call them grants, but you don't have to apply. You automatically >> you automatically get it. It's based on your previous recycling rates and the size of your town. Yeah. So we might get something here. >> We definitely will. We get it every
year. So yes, >> for storm water management >> and it can be used for storm water management. Yes. So >> manager already has designated where it will be spent. >> Oh, actually one thing it does is support the Franklin Times.
>> Yes, it does for the education. Yeah. >> Oh yes, I remember that there was a grant for that. Did you ask why our article was not uh >> I actually just saw Safy right before this meeting and she said that the Franklin Times has not gone out. So that's why it's not in there cuz she it
hasn't been it's not out. >> Okay. Then whatever I received one month ago was >> that's what I said. I said there's two people on here that said they got it and she said it has not gone out. >> So I don't know like I never got a proof either. >> You submitted it in February. >> Yes. So, most likely it's going to be a
summer edition. >> Okay. >> I I just saw her right before this meeting. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Walter. >> Well, I just want to ask Ted, >> what what do you know about repairing rights here in uh New Jersey?
So, I guess that has to do with uh adjacent farms and what have you, their rights to take the water from the lakes and streams and um >> and it's legislated, right? >> I don't know anything about that.
>> Is that right? Well, I I got a little on it, but I thought it was much deeper than that. Yeah. Well, >> I mean it's that sort of riparian right I think becomes much more important in the west. Ah,
>> okay. >> Yeah, just Walter. So, just Yes, that was the clean communities grant. So, every year it's authorized and so we will get some funding from that. >> Um, yes, absolutely. So, yep. >> It looks like Somerset County.
>> Uh, oh, right here's what Franklin is going to get. $180,255. >> Now, this is 2024. >> It will. No, this is for >> Is this 24? Oh, this is 24. >> Yeah, we'll probably get more than that.
Let's see. >> The commission is from Frank. >> I don't know. >> Yeah. Okay, that's 2024. >> Who controls that? That that that >> where is JDP? >> Maybe you can change uh go back to that page. >> It's too good to be true. We weren't
that. >> Um, >> yeah, that's 2024. >> If you go to the address bar and change it to 26 lit remove if people would just pick up after themselves, you wouldn't need
that. >> There you go. Oh, wait. To support government, >> it's different. >> This is how you can actually cheat the system and go through the messages. >> Okay. So, I'll look up and see if I can figure out how much we got. But yes, that is part of that grant and we do use
it every year. Yep. >> Okay. All right. So, now back to the >> Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Okay. You good? >> Order. So, we're up to ordering of items from the resial. Yes. >> Yes. So, I was able to order them.
They're not here yet. Um so, yes. So, um I also was able to order those brochures that we talked about for tableabling events. I got the purchase order this morning, so I sent it to the Somerset County Print Shop. >> As soon as they're done, I'll go pick them up and we'll have them. >> Okay. >> Um the
>> for the next year. >> Yeah. >> The other items, the light bulbs and the stickers for the light bulbs and all that should be in hopefully relatively soon. >> We made a dent in the supply of nightlights. >> Good. >> By the way, uh the the game that you
sourced through NJ, it was included in our package already. So, okay. >> So, I didn't even open it and I called uh Deie to schedule whether she can't get otherwise it would be
>> Got it. Okay. >> They don't need it twice. >> Okay. >> Okay. The um next item then would be the leaf blower ordinance. >> I sent the memo into the council. I haven't heard anything back yet, so I'm sure they're still reviewing it. I have not heard anything. update of Franklin
Township open space and recreation plan. >> I don't have any update on that either as of right now. So, um Mark and Stephen and I are still, you know, trying to move it forward, but we just got to, you know, I don't have any update just yet. >> Okay.
>> Any other old business as requested by the commissioners? >> Any update on that? I forgot. youth member. >> No update. >> No, no update. We're trying to get a youth member from the high school.
>> Uh I just want to mention that uh just like we were talking with Maria about planning film screening. >> Um I am in touch with library um to support them to screen uh on their end.
it would not be our activity. But uh the same uh organizations called Rocco that is releasing those alternative films that uh was the common ground, kiss the ground, um multiple mission,
>> whatever it is. Uh they also released a film about uh librarians and how they >> Oh, I saw that looks great. Yes, I saw that link. how they are being now told that they are um >> let's write a book on librarians
>> what they can have in in libraries and what they can >> yes and they can't be persecuted for yes so um because uh um our contact in library Kerry Sullivan she mentioned that she would like to have it and I had
a conversation with the representatives of library during the green fair >> and uh apparently U somehow Roco does not communicate with with our library. So because I have a contact already.
>> Got it. You reach out. Yeah. >> Pushed it and I said, "Hey, we would like to have it." >> Oh, good. >> Because if the library shows it, we would definitely include our subscribers in communication. >> Oh, for sure. >> And >> yeah, and it's only out for a limited time. My sister-in-law actually just
sent me an email about that because I think she I'm trying to think if it was on YouTube. I don't think so. No, you have >> give me the details. The chairman of the library commission lives in Canal Walk, Nick. >> I must have met him.
>> Yeah, I see him once a month cuz we have a great decisions group that gets together and he comes >> now. I have another thing to report on. It's it's a little but anyway you reminded me uh two years ago I this
library how they are called the library uh board or >> yeah they have a commission >> commission commission and mayor is part of it right I think so they they asked me because uh they were contemplating how to use the
library >> um the the old uh board of ad building which is here. So they it was somehow traded >> on the one on um this main street. >> Yeah. Yeah. On well.
>> So they wanted to have fast charging station and so I was like why would you do it blah blah I at that time I suggested that we if we want to have fast charging stations for electric vehicles it should be on exit 10. U7. I just realized that Tesla built 12
stores on exit nine >> in Piscato >> and it's under Wawa. So if they have 12 stones, there's no reason for any developer to put another fast charging
station. Don't show me this guy. Yeah. Well, the boarding board just read an application to uh in the firm has called something like we >> reviewed it here. Yeah. >> 11 charging station fast charging
stations at the Wawa >> on Route 27. >> Yeah, >> we reviewed that here. Yeah, we reviewed it here at the EC storage center. >> Was there a plan to put it here? >> We reviewed it. Yeah. Mhm. Yeah.
>> Um, you were here and you said, "Oh, you were so happy." >> No, no, it was Ayana. >> Ayana? Yes. >> No. No. But he's saying, "But we are getting charging this here." Yes. Yes. That's what he's saying. Yeah. Yeah.
>> Ayana is the firm that does it and the Wuawa is the location. >> Yeah. Yeah. Correct. That's what it was. >> Yes. Wawa is pretty good host for that. Got it. So Wawa is having those in our town. Then in Piscato it's with Tesla and in North
Bronswick at Route 27 which is just across our town. It's also another site Ayana and it's 27. I know what it is >> that makes the point. We should have asked Ayana what what kind of heads do
they use? other >> it it's uh they use NEI funding. Okay. The one that was clawed by Trump and then was released back. Uh they had to have both
uh CCS1 and North American Standard which is a better name for the Tesla board because they don't have to use the word Tesla. M >> they don't want to use it. >> No, it's advertising and they don't want
to advertise Tesla. >> Um no, it it's called North American charging standard. Uh it's it's actually better way because it's sleeker. It's lighter and lots of car makers are now adopting it. Tesla released it as a
>> Yeah, I knew everybody else can seen something about it being >> adopted as standard. >> Yeah. So the one in um >> But you told me that my car can't use fast charging anyway.
>> Yeah, it was not designed >> for that because your fast charging is the gas engines. >> Okay, there's there's I'm trying to get down for the minutes. this this film.
What is it about librarians? It's about librarians and how they cannot how in some instances and there is an example in New Jersey, they're get they're being held liable for putting banned books out. They're being censored and this
film is basically how librarians need to be protected from liability against those kinds of issu. I think the one they referenced in New Jersey was in violent I think it was. >> Really? >> Pretty sure. Yeah. >> How do we get that into the environmental commission? Well, S's going to give me the details and we'll
just send it to our subscribers as an FYI. >> Oh, just >> yeah. Okay. >> How do we how do we explain that this is related to >> That's what That's what I was asking. >> Maybe we can just forwarding it because of our partnership with the library, you
know, like how they help us. >> I'm all for it. I just don't want anybody to talk to it. I talked to my state uh elected officials like Senator Bob Smith or >> I don't know. I'm not I would say I'm
not sure. I would have to do some research on it, but yeah, definitely look it up. It's interesting. Yeah. And this movie is supposed to be really good. >> I mean, we don't I I just read a book from the library and I forget the title, but it was how librarians were essential to the World War II effort. You know,
going finding lost books, you know, retrieving information. and they really helped the CIA and whatever. And it was like librarians. You don't think of them like that. They were crucial to the intelligence gathering in World War II.
>> They were >> Oh, yeah. She sent this to me. Okay. >> Love your librarian. >> To um >> Oh, yeah. She said it's I'm sorry to interrupt you. This is from my sister-in-law, but she said it's streaming free on YouTube until 59.
Well, that won't give you enough time. If you want to watch it, Ellen, it's called The Librarian's Film >> and apparently it's free on YouTube until May 9th. Yeah. My sister-in-law is a um literacy professor at Ryder, so
she's like really into this stuff, so she sent it around. >> Librarian film. That's the title. >> Film. Yian. >> It's free until when? >> She said it's free on YouTube until the 9th. >> Okay, good. >> Commit the cost to our Let's see if I
can make this work. >> Okay. >> So then um >> we're up to >> public comment. >> Yeah. Any more comments on all business or we public comment? I open the floor to public comment. >> None.
>> None. Okay. Um I'll take care of that. >> Okay. >> Next thing is to vote for adjournment. So move. All >> in favor? All right. >> All right.