ANNUAL REPORT OF CAPE MA Y POINT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

2007

COMMISSIONERS: Sally Sachs, Chairman; Toni Keiser, Vice Chairman; Bill Schuhl, Secretary: Ann Brecker, Marguerite Chandler, Ed Grant, Nancy Kirtland, Mildred Morgan

During the year under review the Commission held 12 regular meetings

In January Ed Grant and Bill Schuhl were reappointed, both to January 2011

PROJECTS:

(I) Triangle Park:

In January we received a copy of Mayor Fraser's letter of December 31 to the State DEP summarizing the work done on Triangle Park as a result of a $50,ooo grant from the County, and terminating our previous request for a $95,000 2% loan. In March our Chairman met with Joe Lomax and Mayor Fraser concerning the instructive panels to be installed at the Park. It was suggested that we have 3 panels. It was also suggested that the $3,400 left in the Park budget be used for native plantings and an identifying brochure be provided. In April we received a copy of Mayor Fraser's thank you letter to Joe Lomax re his work on Triangle Park. Also in April informative panels were discussed. We recommended three - Cape May Point History, Where the Ocean Meets the Bay, and Classic Phenomena -- Birds, Horseshoe crabs, Monarch migration. We also decided against plant brochures as they would constitute a trash problem. Following the meeting Patty Rourke, of Cape May Point, presented an excellent program regarding the establishment of a rain garden at the Park. We all were in favor of this idea as it would conserve water. Ed and Mildred agreed to coordinate the project with Patty. In May Ed presented us with a landscape plan and a list of recommended plants. The Mayor was given a copy. Since the phragmites were growing again in the Park, it was decided to ask Public Works to cut them and apply weed control. In September Ed reported that the Park had been weeded and the swales would be cut next spring. A drip system will need to be installed, but it was decided no further action will be taken until next spring. In September the Civic Club authorized bazaar generated beautification funds for plantings at Triangle Park.

(2) Tree Survey:

The idea for this project carne about because of our desire to keep Cape May Point green. Mark Garland agreed to take on the project of completing a tree survey of the town. He found this to be a very challenging project and spent many days walking the streets of our town. In December he presented us with his draft copy. It is a very comprehensive report which includes the value of trees, trees as components of habitat in Cape May Point, tree species found here, and block by block summaries of our trees. Included are 12 street maps showing the locations of the trees surveyed plus shaded areas depicting closed canopies that function as forests and. areas of valuable habitat.

(3) Battery Recycling Program:

The project was initiated by Marguerite in 2004 and continues to be a success. The Toxco Recycle Company reported that 142 gross pounds of assorted batteries have been recycled through its program in the period from January thru September of 2007

ACTIVITIES AND ACTIONS:

(1) During the year we received and reviewed 12 fee logs.

(2) Received a Borough Code Supplement no. 8 dated 12/06, a description of the Environmental Commission, including the creation of two alternative commissioners.

(3) Mildred provided a paper on Barbara Ernst's address at the Wetlands Institute, "Open Space Fund Distribution".

(4) It was decided we should do an ERI update as open space definitely needs to be brought up to date.

(5) Commissioner Nietubicz passed along an e-mail from resident Melissa McDiarmid, expressing concern over cigarette butts found on the beach. She is again offering to sponsor an art contest for kids to promote the idea of making beaches "butt free".

(6) The Environmental Commissioners' Handbook, 5th edition, was received and distributed.

(7) Sally discussed the basketball half-court paving with Mayor Fraser. The E.C. recommends a pervious concrete to be used in the circle.

(8) The E.C. recommended the location of 4 "doggie stations" to be installed around town. It is hoped our citizens and visitors will use the plastic bags that are provided for "doggie droppings" The installation will be on a one year trial.

(9) At the July meeting Marguerite gave a power point presentation on the impact of global warming on the Jersey Coast.

(10) Sally attended the Alternative Energy Committee meetings held in Cape May.

(11) Marguerite reported on the ANJEC meeting on Energy Conservation she attended in September.

(12) In order to learn of the potential of solar, wind, and wave technologies, Marguerite organized a field trip to the ACUA facility on January 9, 2008 for E.C. members ..