CAPE MAY POINT ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

 

May 13, 2009

 

Present:  Chairman Sally Sachs, Ann Brecker, Marguerite Chandler, Ed Grant, Toni Keyser, Mildred Morgan, Dianna Wentink and Bill Schuhl.  Public:  Patty Rourke.

 

Absent:  Joe Nietubicz.

 

Sally called the meeting to order at 9:33 A.M.  It was in accordance with Chapter 32 of the Law of New Jersey, the Open Public Meetings Act. 

 

Minutes:  the April minutes were approved, with thanks to Ann Brecker for the completion of them in Bill’s absence. 

 

Correspondence:  1) Spring ANJEC report was received; the fortieth anniversary issue featured our tree survey as a highlight.  2) General Store application for the Zoning Board meeting of April 22.  3) Permit Activity Report for April. 

 

Old Business:  1) Discussion of Ed Grant’s handouts; “Organic pesticides are not harmless” and “Landscape restrictions considered”.  2) Borough Administrator Connie Mahon thanked the EC for the formation of the “Citizens’ Storm water Advisory Committee”.  3) Re the use of Ponderlodge by Stockton College for environmental science, Sally advised that she called vanDrew’s office advising of the EC’s positive vote for that action.  4) Marguerite advised that the battery boxes did arrive, and that two had already been filled and sent off, with the help of the new committee.  5) As to the raingarden, Ed advised that it is next in line on Frank Church’s schedule.  6) Ed also advised that the backboard is up on the basketball court.  Apparently, children have been using the volleyball court as a sandbox, and it needs leveling.  7)  Marguerite and Dianna advised that the nature brochure is still set for delivery by June 1.  Galleys will be sent to all members for review and proofreading. 

 

New Business:  1) Sally referred to an Atlantic City Press article, “Agencies end bickering over wind”.  The three involved companies are moving forward on their proposed projects.  2) Dianna volunteered that the new ramp at Cape Avenue seems to be washing out.  The borough is aware of the problem. 

 

Planning Board:  Ann advised that there would be a hearing this evening on the Ochs’ subdivision.  Dianna is now the liaison with the Planning Board, which now has nine members and two alternates. 

 

Friends of Lake Lily:  The Pig Roast is now scheduled for June 13, 4:00 P.M., at Whilden Beach.  Cost is $25 per person.  Marguerite inquired as to the condition of the lake; Ed advised that he considers it to be 75% improved.  Bird activity indicates that the fish are healthy and numerous, and the weir has been installed.  Weeding and mulching were accomplished last Monday. 

As to the Circle, Sally advised that Mulch Day is scheduled for June 30, and pizza and sodas will be provided to volunteers. 

 

Commissioner’s Report:  no report. 

 

Public:  1) Patty Rourke advised that Cape May Bird Observatory will be sponsoring a butterfly and birding walk through the Point on Sundays in September and October.  She will be leading, and it will meet on Pavilion Circle near the general store.  2) Marguerite advised that Slow Food has an agreement with Curtis Bashaw, who owns farmland off Stevens Street, to start an apprentice program.  Volunteers, who will work two to four hours a week, will be paid in produce equal to the minimum daily pay scale. She also has a video available for loan, “The Future of Food”.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 A.M.  The next meeting of the Environmental Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 9:30 A.M., at Borough Hall.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

William F. Schuhl

Secretary